Migraine Headaches

Causes
Certain things can trigger migraine headaches. Stress, anxiety, hormonal changes, bright or flashing lights, lack of food or sleep, and dietary substances can all contribute to migraine headaches. Scientists believe that migraines often have genetic causes.

Symptoms
Migraine pain is characterized by intense pulsing or throbbing pain in one area of the head. Other symptoms of migraines include nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to both light and sound. In addition, some people may experience visual disturbances such as flashing lights, zig-zag lines or a temporary loss of vision right before a migraine occurs.

Treatment

• Avoiding migraine triggers is an important step toward migraine prevention.
• A headache journal can help keep track of your headache triggers.
• For relief during a migraine most people turn to sumatriptan, ergotamine drugs, and analgesics such as ibuprofen and aspirin.

As you can see above, understanding your headache triggers is essential when it comes to managing chronic headaches, regardless of the type of headache you experience most often. Many healthcare providers recommend balancing headache medication with lifestyle changes and helpful activities such as stress management, biofeedback, and exercise programs.

Medical Encyoclopedia – Cluster Headache. MedlinePlus Web Site. Available at:
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000786.htm Accessed August 22, 2016.

Medical Encyoclopedia – Tension Headache. MedlinePlus Web Site. Available at:
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000797.htm Accessed August 22, 2016.

NINDS Migraine Information Page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Web Site. Available at:
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/migraine/migraine.htm Accessed August 22, 2016.