Do you suffer from migraines? According to the Migraine Research Foundation, about 24% of adults in the U.S. are affected by them. Here’s everything you need to know about migraines, including what causes them and options for treatment: https://bit.ly/3vVA1xr.
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Can certain things trigger a migraine?
Migraine is a genetic disease that can be impacted by the environment. Often, migraine is the result of having a certain genetic makeup, through which you inherit a brain that is more sensitive, and changes in your behavior, habits, or the environment around you can cause a migraine cycle to occur.
There are several environmental changes that can trigger migraines. Most often, these factors include:
- Changes in the weather (i.e. before or after it rains or snows)
- Dehydration
- Hormonal changes, for women (before or during menstrual period, during early phase of menopause)
- Lack of sleep
- Overuse of OTC medications
- Stress
In addition, many people consider food as a trigger for migraines. But currently there is no substantial evidence to support this. It’s hard to say that particular foods always correlate with migraine attacks because symptoms and triggers can vary from person to person. It’s actually rare that migraines are caused by one particular thing. Usually, certain factors layer and feed off of each other, and when combined, they can trigger a migraine. For example, if you’re working long hours and under a lot of stress, have irregular sleep patterns, don’t exercise regularly, and don’t eat nutritious meals, then together these factors could trigger a migraine.
What is recommended for pain relief?
Depending on the severity of your migraine and how fast it starts, some relief methods will be more effective than others. Since migraine headaches can last for up to three days, it’s important to treat them as soon as they begin. If your migraine starts with moderate pain that builds gradually, consider taking an OTC medicine that includes one of the following ingredients:
- Acetaminophen
- Aspirin
- Ibuprofen
- Naproxen
- Salicylic acid
Before taking medication, it is important to always consult with your primary care provider about treatment options, especially if you’re already using prescription drugs for a different condition. When using any type of medicine, you should follow the directions stated on its label. You can also treat your symptoms using holistic and topical methods like taking deep breaths, sleeping, or applying an ice pack, heat pack, or mentholated cream to your head.
If you’re still unable to relieve the migraine, speak with your provider about prescription options. Or, speak with a neurologist for a more targeted treatment. Ask your doctor or neurologist about a preventive method to decrease the frequency of the headaches so they don’t negatively impact your life.
Request a consultation with a neurologist.
Does gender play a role in causing migraines?
Due to hormonal changes, migraines tend to be more common in women in comparison to men. Interestingly though, during childhood migraines occur more frequently in boys than in girls. But as they reach puberty, the reverse happens. As boys age, their frequency of migraines tends to decrease over time, and when girls begin their menstrual cycle, the possibility and frequency of migraines can increase as they get older. It’s possible that the frequency may be affected by the increase of testosterone in young men and the lack thereof in young women during puberty.
While more research needs to be done on the effects of testosterone, some medical experts say it could reduce inflammation. And as a result, reduce the pain and other side effects of migraine attacks. However, at this time, there is no substantial proof to support that theory.
Is it possible that migraines can be a sign of something more serious?
If you’re concerned that you may have a more severe, underlying condition, a neurological exam can determine if anything else is going on in addition to your migraine. For adults over age 50 who have new onset headaches unlike anything they’ve experienced before, that could be a sign of something more serious. If you already have a history of migraines, but there’s a change in the pattern or frequency or they’re accompanied with fever, weight loss, or confusion, that’s also a concerning sign. If you have a preexisting condition that can compromise your immune system, your doctor may further investigate if anything else is causing the acute headaches. In any of these scenarios, we recommend that you get a neurological exam and seek specialized care from a physician.
Take control of your migraines.
Having a better understanding of migraines can make it easier to take control of your symptoms and tackle your migraines head on. For those with acute cases of migraine attacks, pain relief is attainable with the help of your primary care doctor or neurologist. With more knowledge and resources in tow, you have the advantage over your headaches and can maintain a great quality of life.
