Migraines are severe headaches that may last a number of days and interfere with your ability to carry out activities of daily living. Some individuals may be more prone to migraines than others. For example, having a family history of migraines, being female, being younger than 40, and experiencing hormonal changes such as during pregnancy and before or after menstruation, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Migraines
Migraines may last from four to 72 hours and may be so severe all you can think about is finding a dark quiet place to lie down. Some migraines are accompanied by warning symptoms such as flashes of light, blind spots or tingling in your arms or legs. These are known as migraine auras. A migraine may also be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or extreme sensitivity to light and sound, according to the Mayo Clinic website.
Causes of Migraines
The cause of migraines continues be be largely unknown, however, there appears to be both an environmental and genetic contribution. Migraines may be caused by imbalances in the chemicals in your brain. For example, an imbalance in serotonin, which helps regulate pain in your nervous system, may be involved. Another theory is migraines are caused by changes in the trigeminal nerve. This nerve is a major pain pathway in your brain, according to the Mayo Clinic website.
Caffeine and Migraines
A number of things can trigger a migraine. These include stress, changes in sleep patterns; alcohol; intense physical exertion; medications; and foods such as chocolate, aspartame and aged cheese. Overuse of caffeine is also a trigger, according to a review by John F. Rothrock M.D., published in the February 2008 issue of "Headache." However, while caffeine can trigger a migraine in some individuals, caffeine may also be used to treat an acute migraine.
Treatment
Caffeine may be used in the treatment of moderate to severe migraines. The nonprescription combination of acetaminophen, aspirin and caffeine is highly effective for the treatment of migraine headache pain as well as for alleviating migraine-related nausea and sensitivity to light and sound, according to three placebo randomized controlled trials published in the February 1998 issue of "Archives of Neurology." As when starting any new treatment, first consult your doctor.
