According to the American Migraine Foundation, more than 36 million people in the United States suffer from migraines, which are excruciating and often debilitating headaches. Symptoms of migraines include severe head and neck pain, retinal pressure or discomfort, nausea, vomiting and dizziness, and the headaches are often made worse by sound or bright lights. There are several causes of migraines and currently no permanent cure. Treatments focus on minimizing discomfort.
Biologically Induced Migraine
Researchers at the University of California, Davis Department of Neurology think that there are inherited abnormalities in the brain that cause certain blood vessels to become dilated and inflamed. Having a parent who suffers from migraine headaches doubles a person's risk of having the condition.
Hormonal changes can also trigger a migraine headache. Gynecologist and author Christiane Northrup says that migraine headaches are associated with the hormonal changes that occur during and around menstruation in 60 percent of women.
Food-Induced Migraine
Certain types of food and drink can trigger migraines. Foods that are chemically saturated are the biggest culprits. Artificial flavoring such as aspartame can induce migraine episodes, as well as monosodium glutamate (MSG), which is considered to be a natural flavoring and is often added to dishes in Chinese cooking. Other common triggers of migraines are alcoholic beverages, especially red wine, and aged cheese, due to the chemicals released during fermentation.
Stress-Induced Migraine
Stress is common in everyday life. In some individuals, undue stress can induce isolated migraine episodes as well as decrease the interval of time in between episodes. Stress can be caused by lack of sleep, over-working the body in a physically or emotionally demanding environment, or by going extended periods without food or drink.
Preventative Measures
As the old adage states, often the best offense is a good defense. Monitoring substance consumption, staying hydrated, regulating sleep and eating patterns, and maintaining a healthy exercise routine are all ways to prevent migraine episodes. Resting quietly in a dark room can sometimes ward off an impending attack.
Additionally, a study published in the February 2000 "Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics" found that chiropractic treatment reduced migraine severity in over half the patients who participated. Other alternative therapies used to prevent or treat migraines are acupuncture and biofeedback.
Pharmacological Measures
Because migraines are a neurological phenomenon, there are certain antiepileptic drugs that also work to reduce or eradicate migraine episodes. Sumatriptan is a prescription drug that has been found to be very effective at relieving migraine headaches. In some cases, over-the-counter painkillers such as aspirin and ibuprofen can alleviate the pain caused by migraines. Anti-nausea drugs can soothe the nausea and vomiting associated with episodes.
