Migraine headaches can affect almost anyone. There is no certain cause of migraine headaches; however, there are a few potential triggers. These include caffeine, as well as stress and sleep disturbances, which may affect neurotransmitter levels in the brain. Being mindful of these triggers may help migraine sufferers ward off some potential migraine attacks.
What is a Migraine?
A migraine is a distinct type of chronic headache. Some of the symptoms that distinguish migraines from other types of headaches include throbbing headache pain, visual disturbances, nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. While the exact cause of migraine headaches is not completely understood, they are generally considered to be a neurological disorder. Migraines may be hereditary or related to hormonal levels in the body; however, they can also be triggered by certain things in the environment. These include foods such as caffeine, as well as changes in the brain's serotonin levels.
Migraines and Caffeine
There are several types of food that can trigger a migraine attack, one of which is caffeine. However, this trigger may be more closely related to amounts of caffeine rather than the caffeine itself. According to the Mayo Clinic, large amounts of caffeine are more likely to trigger a migraine. In addition, people who use caffeine on a regular basis may be more prone to migraine headaches if they stop using it abruptly: the University of Maryland Medical Center lists caffeine withdrawal as a possible migraine trigger. Caffeine is not only found in coffee, but many teas, sodas and chocolate as well. Keeping caffeine intake minimal and steady may help avoid some migraine attacks.
Migraines and Serotonin
Migraines may also be linked to serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a chemical found in the brain that is associated with sleep and happiness. When these serotonin levels are altered, they can potentially trigger a migraine attack. According to the Mayo Clinic, dropping serotonin levels set off a chain of events in the body, causing neuropeptides to collect in the brain's protective layers. Serotonin levels can be affected by many things, including stress and changes to the sleep and wake cycle. Keeping stress levels in check and trying to sleep for the same amount of time every evening may help ward off potential migraine attacks.
Warning About Serotonin
Certain migraine medications work by altering the body's serotonin levels, and are taken regularly as a preventative. However, people who take them can experience a rare but serious complication called serotonin syndrome. According to the Mayo Clinic, serotonin syndrome can occur if a person takes more than one serotonin-altering medication, such as antidepressants and triptans. While it is not common, it can be life threatening. Serotonin syndrome is most likely to occur when a person first takes the particular medication. According to Medline Plus, some possible warning signs of serotonin syndrome include hallucinations, tremors and confusion. These require immediate medical condition.
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