MIGRAINE - headache in one side of the
head.
A migraine headache can Cause intense
throbbing or a pulsing sensation in one area
of the head and is commonly accompanied
by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity
to light and sound.
Migraine attacks can cause significant pain
for hours to days and be so severe that all
you can think about is finding a dark, quiet
place to lie down.
Some migraines are preceded or
accompanied by sensory warning symptoms
(aura), such as flashes of light, blind spots,
or tingling in your arm or leg.
Medications can help reduce the frequency
and severity of migraines. If treatment
hasn't worked for you in the past, talk to your
doctor about trying a different migraine
headache medication. The right medicines,
combined with self-help remedies and
lifestyle changes, may make a big
difference.
CAUSES
Although much about the cause of
migraines isn't understood, genetics and
environmental factors appear to play a role.
Migraines may be caused by changes in the
brainstem and its interactions with the
trigeminal nerve, a major pain pathway.
lmbalances in brain chemicals -including
serotonin, which helps regulate pain in your
nervous system - also may be involved.
Researchers continue to study the role of
Serotonin in migraines.
Serotonin levels drop during migraine
attacks. This may Cause your trigeminal
system to release substances called
neuropeptides, which travel to your brain's
outer covering (meninges). The result is
headache pain.
Migraine headache triggers
Whatever the exact mechanism of the
headaches, a number of things may trigger
them. Common migraine triggers include:
Hormonal changes in women.
Fluctuations in estrogen seem to trigger
headaches in many women with known
migraines. Women with a history of
migraines often report headaches
immediately before or during their periods,
when they have a major drop in estrogen.
Others have an increased tendency to
develop migraines during pregnancy or
menopause.
Hormonal medications, such as oral
contraceptives and hormone replacement
therapy, also may worsen migraines. Some
women, however, may find their migraines
occur less often when taking these
medications.
Foods. Aged cheeses, salty foods and
processed foods may trigger migraines.
Skipping meals or fasting also can trigger
attacks.
Food additives. The sweetener aspartame
and the preservative monosodium
glutamate, found in many foods, may trigger
migraines.
Drinks. Alcohol, especially wine, and
highly caffeinated beverages may trigger
migraines.
Stress. Stress at work or home can cause
migraines.
Sensory stimuli. Bright lights and sun
glare can induce migraines, as can loud
sounds. Unusual smells - including
perfume, paint thinner, secondhand smoke
and others - can trigger migraines in some
people.
Changes in wake-sleep pattern. Missing
sleep or getting too much sleep may trigger
migraines in some people, as can jet lag.
Physical factors. Intense physical
exertion, including sexual activity, may
provoke migraines.
Changes in the environment. A change of
weather or barometric pressure can prompt
a migraine.
Medications. Oral contraceptives and
vasodilators, such as nitroglycerin, can
aggravate migraines.
