Causes Of Migraine Headaches

Migraine headaches can very easily cause a person to lose daily function and enjoyment of life. Preventing and treating migraine headaches, however, is certainly possible with the right combination of medicine and therapy. The exact causes of migraine headaches remain unknown to the medical community, but it is widely held that serotonin levels in the brain play a significant role in the formation of migraine headaches. Low serotonin levels can frequently lead to a migraine headache episode.

Migraine headache symptoms can oftentimes be accompanied by an “aura.” An aura occurs when a classic migraine headache begins to develop. In a classic migraine attack, the sufferer may experience changes in vision, such as strange colors or spots that develop. Tenderness in the scalp is another sign of an oncoming migraine headache. Alterations in mood can also occur, such as depression or irritability. These subtle symptoms can manifest as early as a day before the episode. The following migraine headaches usually come about with a high degree of intensity, but do not last long.

Common migraine headaches take longer to develop, and last longer than classic migraines. This can be seriously debilitating, and can make daily functioning difficult. Fortunately, many medications exist to alleviate migraine pain. Sleep and plenty of fluids are very important in helping to prevent the onset of migraine headaches. During an attack, go to a quiet and dimly lit area. Use a cold compress to reduce the tension, and massage the scalp with a fair amount of pressure. Emotional and physical stress are known to play a role in migraine development.

Some foods are also believed to play a significant role in migraine development.

Physicians recommend, for example, that red wine should be avoided by sufferers of migraine headaches. Canned and processed meat can also attribute to migraine episodes. Causes of migraine headaches can also include excess amounts of caffeine, aged cheese, or cultured dairy products. If you suffer chronic headaches, see a physician for a full list of foods and beverages that should be avoided.