Migraines Health Care Information

 

Migraines are painful, chronic headaches that can significantly diminish your quality of life for hours or even days at a time. Symptoms usually begin by early adulthood, and can include a pounding headache, nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light. If left untreated, a migraine usually lasts from 4 to 72 hours, though the frequency is different for everyone.

 

Genetics and environmental factors both seem to play a role in causing migraines, and common migraine triggers include:

  • Hormonal changes in women, such as right before or during their periods
  • Foods, like alcohol, aged cheeses, chocolate, and MSG
  • Stress at work or home
  • Sensory stimuli such as bright lights, loud sounds or unusual or unpleasant smells
  • Changes in sleep pattern, like jet lag
  • Physical factors such as intense physical exercise
  • Changes in the environment, like a change in the weather 

People most at risk of migraines are those with a family history of migraines, those who are younger than 40, as well as women, especially those experiencing hormonal changes.

 

Though there are no cures for migraines, their frequency and severity can be reduced with pain-relieving medications or preventive medications. If you suffer from migraines, you may also benefit from avoiding migraine triggers, exercising regularly and, if you are a woman, reducing the effects of estrogen by avoiding medications containing the hormone.