Migraine Headaches

A migraine can be disabling — with symptoms so severe, all you can think about is finding a dark, quiet place to lie down. Up to 17 percent of women and 6 percent of men have experienced a migraine.

More than 29.5 million Americans suffer from migraine, with women being affected three times more often than men. This vascular headache is most commonly experienced between the ages of 15 and 55, and 70% to 80% of sufferers have a family history of migraine. Less than half of all migraine sufferers have received a diagnosis of migraine from their healthcare provider. Migraine is often misdiagnosed as sinus headache or tension-type headache.

Causes of Migraine

Foods. Certain foods appear to trigger headaches in some people. Common offenders include alcohol, especially beer and red wine; aged cheeses; chocolate; fermented, pickled or marinated foods; aspartame; overuse of caffeine; monosodium glutamate — a key ingredient in some Asian foods; certain seasonings; and many canned and processed foods. Skipping meals or fasting also can trigger migraines.

Sensory stimuli. Bright lights and sun glare can produce head pain. So can unusual smells — including pleasant scents, such as perfume and flowers, and unpleasant odors, such as paint thinner and secondhand smoke.

A migraine begins when, for some reason, blood vessels in the brain narrow (constrict) temporarily. When that happens, the amount of blood and oxygen flowing to the brain drops. So the brain sends a message: "Hey guys, we need some more blood and oxygen here!"

Until recently, the general theory on the migraine process rested solely on the idea that abnormalities of blood vessel (vascular) systems in the head were responsible for migraines.

Symptoms of Migraine

Intense throbbing or dull aching pain on one side of your head or both sides.

Migraines typically begin in childhood, adolescence or early adulthood and may become less frequent and less intense as you grow older. In addition to physical suffering, severe headaches often mean missed school days and trips to the emergency department, as well as lost work time for anxious parents.

Most experts now agree that the term migraine should be used to refer to a chronic, recurrent neurological condition resulting in periodic attacks of head pain rather than the headache.
Changes in how a person sees, including blurred vision or blind spots, zig-zags of light or light flashes

Treatment of Migraine

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved three over-the-counter products to treat migraine. Excedrin® Migraine (a combination of aspirin, acetaminophen and caffeine) is indicated for migraine and its associated symptoms. Advil® Migraine and Motrin® Migraine Pain, both ibuprofen medications, are approved to treat migraine headache and its pain.

Ergots. Ergotamine (Ergomar) has been in use for more than 60 years and was a common prescription for migraine before triptans were introduced. Ergotamine is much less expensive, but also less effective, than triptans. Dihydroergotamine is an ergot derivative that is more effective and has fewer side effects than ergotamine.

Drug names and migraine headache treatments availability vary widely from the USA and UK. Migraine headache treatments fall into two broad categories: first with migraine treatments are analgesics and analgesic combinations and, secondly, migraine-specific therapies, such as the triptans, ergotamine and dihydroergotamine. Many of these are available only on prescription but there is a variety of therapeutic options available over the counter (OTC) and pharmacists can often advise patients about these.

Beta blockers (e.g., propranolol [Inderal®], atenolol [Tenormin®]) are the preferred medications. These drugs produce an effect on heart rate. They should not be taken by patients with asthma and should be used with caution in patients with diabetes.

By: Corwin Brown

Labels: cluster headache, cluster headaches, head ache, headache, headache relief, headaches, migraine, migrane, migranes, sinus headache, tension headache, tension headaches

Migraine without aura is a common migraine without aura but exhibits the same symptoms as a classic migraine except that it does not exhibit any aura.

People who primarily suffer from migraine with aura may also have attacks of migraine without aura. Headache with the features of "migraine without aura" usually follows the aura symptoms. Less commonly, the aura may occur without a subsequent headache or the headache may be non-migrainous in type.

Migraine with aura is a classical migraine preceded by an aura before the attack. The aura occurs for about 10-30 minutes and then is usually followed by a headache. It is quite similar to a common migraine except in the aspect of the aura.

About 15% of migraine sufferers have a early warning that the headache is coming on. This change in brain function is called an "aura". It is usually a visual symptom, such as an arc of sparkling (scintillating) zig-zag lines or a blotting out of vision or both. The aura is due to changes that take place in the cortex, the outer layer of the brain. This slowly spreading depression of nerve cell activity is believed to account for the pattern of development of the typical aura.

Auras set in about 20-30 minutes before the migraine attack. Some patients also describe the presence of a strange odor, before the onset of a migraine. They also experience a tingling sensation in an arm or leg.

In the classic migraine aura, symptoms build up gradually and move slowly from one visual region or one part of the body to another. For example, the migraine aura sufferer may first notice a black spot in the field of vision. This black spot is often surrounded by flashing lights or bright zig-zag lines as mentioned.

What starts this sequence of events that leads to the aura and migraine? The answers to this question are not fully understood. Migraine sufferers have an inborn susceptibility to factors that normally do not trigger headaches.

In people with migraines, changes in body chemistry, such as menstruation, certain foods, and dozens of environmental influences, such as a change in weather, may trigger a migraine attack. A migraine trigger is any factor that, on exposure or withdrawal, leads to the development of an acute migraine headache. Triggers may be categorized as behavioral, environmental, infectious, dietary, chemical, or hormonal. In medical literature, these factors are known as 'precipitants.'

Neither type of migraine denotes a life-threatening disorder but, they can be chronic and recurrent, thus interfering with a person's daily lifestyle.

Both migraine types have the usual pain, nausea, vomiting and intolerance to light and sound, which is worsened by any physical activity.

Treatment? The treatment for migraines begins with simple painkillers for headache and anti-emetics for nausea, and avoidance of triggers if present. Specific anti-migraine drugs can be used to treat migraine. Homeopathic Drugs and Special all natural ingredient products such as those at the Centre for Pain Relief in Burlington, New Jersey have proven effective. If the migraine condition is severe and frequent enough, preventative drugs might be considered.
The most commonly used "reversal" medicines are triptans. Triptans work by boosting the effects of the brain chemical serotonin, which reduces the severity and duration of an attack. Propranolol, a beta blocker, and Topiramate have proven effective for migraine sufferers as well.

When it comes to treatment however, "Migraine is the most misunderstood, misdiagnosed, and mistreated condition in medical practice," states Dr. Seymour Diamond, M.D., who is the executive chairman for the National Headache Foundation and director of the Diamond Headache Clinic in Chicago.

As always, talk to your doctor about whether or not you have with Aura or without Aura to find the medication that works best for you.

By: Ray Attebery

Labels: cluster headache, cluster headaches, head ache, headache, headache relief, headaches, migraine, migrane, migranes, sinus headache, tension headache, tension headaches

Migraine is a severe disorder that affects and interrupts the lives of millions of people. Figures show that twenty five percent of migraine sufferers experience more than four attacks a month and it has consequences for employers, family and friends as well as the sufferer.

One of the best self help measures for sufferers is migraine prevention via education, as it can help you self-diagnose and provide your physician with an intelligent approach to assist him with diagnosis so you get the right migraines treatment. The main drawback is that although there are thousands and thousands of Internet websites for headache, they are erratic and inconsistent. However joining organizations like the American Council for Headache Education and local organizations can play an excellent part in educating yourself about migraine.

Many self help books containing migraine headache info could be described in the same manner, but my advice is to look for those sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology or other such reliable bodies.

Getting a correct diagnosis is the first step to managing migraine, and I have always found it useful to keep a headache diary or calendar to record the severity of my migraine headache pain, and my response to migraine drugs treatment. This includes information such as dosage, time taken and also any non-drug therapies, what you ate at mealtimes, exercise and sleep habits. Honestly recording what you actually do and when you did it will help you doctor treat your more effectually, give you the correct medication for migraines and will help you to identify triggers.

I'm not saying that you should become obsessive and give your headache calendar more attention than necessary but keeping one for a few months before the first visit to a migraine specialist can provide him or her with a great deal of information, and it may be worthwhile maintaining this afterwards. For example I have discovered that sitting at my computer worsened my condition, but when I changed chairs it lessened the stress on my neck and helped me somewhat.

Stopping smoking and starting regular aerobic exercise are valid self-help measures for migraine. Movement encourages the brain to produce more endorphins, which are natural pain fighting hormones, and exercise reduces muscle tension, anxiety, increases energy levels, refreshes and helps you focus. However some migraine sufferers find that this can aggravate and worsen their condition, under these circumstances walking can be beneficial. Remember when you are exercising it is important to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

Helping yourself and cooperating with you physician can also lead to the exploration of natural remedies for migraines, as these are becoming more popular with many being backed by research. Remedies for migraine headaches, which are likely to be offered include relaxation techniques such as hypnosis, biofeedback, progressive relaxation, meditation, guided imagery and breathing exercises.

Other alterative treatment for migraines include:

Acupuncture for migraines
Chiropractic care
Massage
Herbal supplement
Physical therapy
Vitamin (B2) and mineral supplements
Magnesium supplementation
Feverfew
Butterbur
Co-Enzyme Q10
Acupressure
Essential Fatty Acids supplementation
Hydrotherapy
Yoga

Stress does not initially cause migraine headaches but does seem to trigger them if you are a migrane sufferer. Consequently, as stress is closely linked to a migraine headache and because the severity of the condition can disrupt family life causing depression, then you may also be offered behavioral therapies such as psychotherapy and stress management training.

This is by no means a comprehensive manual on migraine prevention but it will hopefully be enough to get you started.

Health and Personal Care Disclaimer

You should not used this information for self diagnosis or for treating a health problem or disease. When you receive an item carefully read all labels, warnings or directions before use. Actual product packaging and materials may contain more and/or different information than that shown in this email or on our website. Contact your health care provider immediately if you suspect that you have a medical problem. Information and statements concerning dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent and disease or health condition.

By: Patrick

Labels: and headache, headache, headache nausea, headache neck, headache pain, headache sinus, headache symptoms, headaches, headaches causes, migraine headache, migraine headaches, sinus headache

For the millions of migraine sufferers in the United States alone, any sort of migraine treatment is better than nothing. A migraine can come on with or without any sort of noticeable trigger and stay for hours or days at a time. The unspeakable throbbing in the head, sensitivity to light and sound, and debilitating consequences for daily life lead to interesting perspectives on prevention and treatment.

Traditional migraines can occur with or without an aura, meaning they can have (or not have) any visual disturbances. Such visual disturbances include blind spots, seeing colors, or shades of gray and/or black. An ocular migraine includes those types of visual "hallucinations" but they only occur in one eye.

The changes to vision are not permanent in either situation, but often send most migraine sufferers to medical clinics. Lewis Carroll, of Alice in Wonderland fame, cited migraine hallucinations as primary sources for the creation of the classic children's book. Migraines, with or without an aura, occur because of changes in the brain's blood vessel. Blood vessels swell, causing inflammation, which then constricts the blood vessels even more. The optical changes noticed in traditional migraines are because of the occipital cortex perceiving changes in vision due to blood vessels and inflammation. With an ocular migraine, however, the visual changes occur in the retinal blood vessels, which are inflamed, and causing visual disturbances.

According to migraine experts, the most common triggers for migraine headaches include stress, lack of sleep, and skipping meals. Other triggers include weather or altitude changes, pollution, smells, any sort of sleep problems, and other senses, like lighting. Foods that include aspartame or MSG (monosodium glutamate) also have been identified as triggers to migraines. Another large trigger is smoking, as it constricts already small blood vessels. Migraines tend to effect women more so than men; estrogen increases the chances of migraines, research states. However, it is unclear how estrogen does this. Some women find that decreased levels of estrogen will cause migraines while others say that too much estrogen caused the problem. Many women find that their natural menses cycle will effect when their next migraine will occur.

Experts say that prevention is the easiest way to deal with a migraine. This means identifying your own pattern of migraine headaches and triggers. Some experts prescribe or recommend non-migraine medications daily in order to prevent migraine headaches. Doctors also state there is a distinct "window of opportunity" in which migraines are starting and can be most easily treated, without them running their course. This time frame is limited to the first hour of the headache. However, experts admit most migraine sufferers do not want to bring on the unspeakable and convince themselves that they are only having a tension headache.

Once a migraine has started, several types of medication can be used to treat them. Over the counter medications, such as Tylenol or Advil, have helped some migraines while still others utilize other anti-inflammatory agents to treat migraines. These medications focus on helping the body deal with the pain of a migraine. New medications called triptans provide the treatment of the blood vessels, which essentially helps to stop the migraine at its root cause. Such medications include sumatriptan, zolmitriptan, and naratriptan.

However, the triptan classification does not help with ocular migraines and could intensify the vision problems leading to vision loss. However, some migraine sufferers do not feel comfortable always relying on medications to prevent or treat migraines. Doctors suggest, and highly encourage, patients to stay on a consistent schedule for meals and sleeping; disturbances with those daily events could lead to more stress and/or migraines themselves. Others encourage utilizing supplements such as magnesium, riboflavin, and coenzyme Q10. However, they stress that correct dosages should be maintained for at least three months before its intended effects can be perceived. Doctors suggest 500 mg of magnesium, 400 of riboflavin (B-12), and 150 mg of coenzyme Q10. Other types of herbs have anecdotal evidence of assistance in preventative measures; those include butterbur or feverfew.

Doctors do warn that there are limited enforcement procedures of herbs; one brand could be more potent than another, so doctors suggest caution and using a reputable brand name. Still other migraine sufferers use acupuncture to relieve migraine pressure and Botox, as its primary usage is paralysis of muscles. Studies are being done to support the anecdotal evidence suggested by Botox promoters. Doctors feel that ocular migraine patients could find sunglasses, either simple or prescription, based on which wavelengths they seem to be having difficulties with.

Despite the once widespread belief that migraines were "just another headache" many advances have been made to understand and treat the source of the problem. As always, consult your doctor for your individual case before adjusting your migraine treatment. Adverse side effects should always be communicated with your doctor.

By: Isabel Baldry

Labels: and headache, headache, headache nausea, headache neck, headache pain, headache sinus, headache symptoms, headaches, headaches causes, migraine headache, migraine headaches, sinus headache

If you've been suffering from migraine headaches, you may have noticed the symptoms are almost the same for everyone - a painful ache in one spot that becomes worse and spreads over one side of your face - sometimes almost entirely. The nausea and vomiting you feel are also common symptoms of most migraines. So, since these symptoms are so much the same, there's only one type of migraine, right?

Actually, there are quite a few types of migraines, but most people suffer from one of two types, the common migraine or the classic migraine. The difference between these two headaches is that the common migraine does not have an aura and classic migraines do have an aura.

An aura refers to visual symptoms that begin before the classic migraine actually starts. These symptoms may include seeing jagged lines in front of your eyes or actually losing vision for a few minutes, hearing ringing or other noises that aren't actually there, feeling numb or having tingly sensations, or smelling odd odors. This aura can actually be useful, because it can and does serve as a warning that a very painful migraine is on the way. This would at least allow you to take some preventive measures. For people who suffer from a common migraine, there is often no warning. Suddenly, they feel pain in their jaw or eye socket and it rapidly spreads and increases in intensity until they have a full blown migraine.

While few people develop one of the rarer migraines, there are several you may want to know about. These migraines are just as painful as the more common migraine types.

* Exertion Migraines are over more quickly than most types of migraines. You can develop one of these migraines if you overextend yourself while you are exercising and develop dehydration at the same time, if you lift something heavy, if you have a sneezing fit, or even if you bend over.

* Retinal Migraines are migraines that cause you to temporarily lose vision in an eye. You will probably lose vision before the head pain actually begins.

* Hemipleic Migraines have a rather scary symptom. If you suffer from this type of migraine, you'll actually develop temporary paralysis on the side of your body that the migraine is forming on.

* Ophtalmoplegic Migraines are one of the longest lasting types of migraines. This form of the disease begins with pain around the eye and eye problems continue throughout the entire migraine. Visual distortions and blurred vision are common symptoms of this type of migraine.

* Noctural Migraines are fortunately very rare and develop during the night. They are intense enough to wake the migraine sufferer from their sleep.

* Basilar Artery Migraines are usually limited to teen girls or young women. This migraine develops by causing the basilar artery to constrict, which leads to dizziness, poor co-ordination, vomiting and even problems with speach. This migraine type eventually should become the more standard classic migraine, with its accompanying aura.

* Abdominal Migraines are a type of migraine that doesn't actually involve head pain. Instead, this migraine usually causes stomach pain. The normal nausea and vomiting other migraine types cause occurs after the stomach pain starts. This migraine type occurs most commonly in young children.

By: Aaron Walker

Labels: and headache, headache, headache nausea, headache neck, headache pain, headache sinus, headache symptoms, headaches, headaches causes, migraine headache, migraine headaches, sinus headache

"A migraine is like a tornado; it attacks fast without any warning and wreaks havoc."

Migraines usually start during the teenage years or early in adult life, affecting more women than men with a ratio of three to one. Migraines are caused from constricted (tightening) arteries that supply blood flow to the brain. When the arteries constrict, blood flow to the brain is reduced as well as the brains oxygen supply. The brain reacts by dilating (enlarging) arteries to meet the brain's need for energy. The dilation spreads to the arteries in the neck and scalp and is the culprit of the pain in migraines.

If you live with migraines, make sure to have your Doctor rule out an underlying illness or other medical conditions that mimic migraines with the appropriate tests: for example, x-rays determining sinus infection, EEG for seizure activity or a CAT scan to detect blood clots or a brain tumor. Your Dr. may determine a drug to help ease your pain.

Eight Migraine Triggers

1. Cerviogentic Headache:

Some people who have a tender neck and suffer from sore bone and joint problems are diagnosed with this type

2. Temporomandibular Migraine:

Triggered by teeth grinding

3. Sinus Migraine:

Triggered by allergies and caused by excessive mucous and often accompanied by a fever. If you have this type of migraine, you may experience pain around both eyes and also may feel nauseated and sensitive to light.

4. Genetic Migraines:

Studies have lined a gene to people affected with migraines. Often when the gene for migraines is passed on to the next generation, the recipient will also experience headaches around the same age as the person who passed on the migraine.

5. Stress Migraine:

Stress can be a major contributing factor to the onset of a migraine. Type A personalities are more likely to experience migraines. Type A is ambitious, bright, perfectionist, emotionally repressed, cautious and has a decreased ability to manage stress. However, this is the easiest type of migraine to treat because a type A personality can acquire the skills necessary to manage stress.

6. Hormonal Migraine:

Fluctuating hormones in women are often the cause of migraines and can happen during menstrual cycles.

7. Cigarette Migraine

An equal opportunity source of migraines is because the nicotine alters blood vessels. High carbon monoxide levels in a person who smokes or even inhales second hand smoke can lead to a migraine.

8. Food Migraines Food allergies are another factor that leads to migraines. However, migraine sufferers are able to eat chocolate without falling prey to a migraine. Some patients actually report relief from eating chocolate.

Foods that Can Cause Migraines

1. Aged cheese such as Roquefort, Stilton and Sharp Cheddar
2. Fermented Dairy such as Sour Cream, Buttermilk and Yogurt
3. Citrus: Oranges or Grapefruit, including juice
4. Nuts: Peanuts, Walnuts or Pecans
5. Legumes: Peas, Beans and Soy product 6. Onions and Garlic
7. Bananas
8. Pickled foods: picked herring is the most common instigator
9. MSG found in Chinese food
10. Alcohol

Now that you know the common triggers, also note that skipping meals also causes migraines. Skipping meals causes your blood sugar to drop, which in turn causes a migraine.

Eight Ways to Kiss Your Migraine Goodbye

1. Medicine

Medicines have been used for centuries to treat migraines. Today Dr's prescribe Beta Blockers to treat migraines by maintaining adequate dilation of blood vessels. Antidepressants: The brain chemical 'serotonin' plays a role in migraine attacks because the levels of serotonin may cause or relieve migraine and that's why Drs sometimes prescribe antidepressants for migraines. Antidepressants reduce migraine frequency by regulating serotonin levels in the brain. Other drugs are triptans available as an injection or nasal spray. This type of drug shuts down the inflammation and transmission of migraine pain.

2. Surgical Treatment

Nerve stimulators have been used to control back and muscle pain and in 2003 a nerve stimulator was successfully used to treat chronic headaches. With nerve stimulation, one end of a wire is connected to a nerve that controls pain and the other is connected to a small battery powered generator. The patient controls the generator via a remote device. Once turned on, it disconnects the pain signal.

Not only do chronic migraine suffers face agonizing physical disabilities, they also have the psychological fear of not being able to earn a living or manage their home life because daily activities can suddenly become unbearable with the onset of a migraine.

3. Holistic Intervention

Rarely are people offered a non drug approach to treating migraines. Treating a migraine holistically not only can treat the migraine at onset but can also act as prevention.

Create a headache diary listing the 5 W's.

A. Who were you with?
B. Where? Did someone irritate you? At work with glaring lights?
C. What? What medications were you on?
D. When? When did the headache start?
E. Why? Did some particular food or drink aggravate the situation? Did you get enough sleep?

4. Review your diary after 30 days and see if you can isolate the trigger.

5. Use heat to help dilate the blood vessels in the body. This must be done at direct onset of your migraine. Soak your hands in hot water for 20-30 minutes. As the migraine progresses and the blood vessels enlarge, apply ice to the back of the neck and forehead to help constrict capillaries that are pressing against the nerves.

6. Relaxation techniques

You can use relaxation techniques to manage stress. Research has found that people who consciously practice yoga daily for 30 - 45 minutes can learn to positively manipulate involuntary bodily responses like migraine pain. Studies have shown that relaxation practiced on a regular basis achieves a 45 to 80% reduction or elimination in both migraine severity and frequency.

Yoga triggers a boost in the brain chemical serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is involved with your body's anger, pain, sleep and migraine and can be a cure for headaches. Frequent headaches are a sign that you are stressed out and it's your body's way of saying slow down and take care of me. Especially if you are a type A personality. My type A patients often say they can't sit still and have a difficult time with the relaxation/mediation part of yoga. My reply? What's more difficult to live with.

Meditating daily or living with a migraine, a stroke or a heart attack? These are very real situations that afflict people with constricted arteries and that's why it's vital that you make time for your health. Unfortunately for my patients, I often meet them after they've suffered from a condition of vascular abnormality. They are very motivated to participate because they have experienced what happens when blood flow to the heart or brain is compromised. Consequently they practice my techniques daily to reduce a recurrence.

Why not make time now? There are 1440 minutes in a day. 45 minutes a day practicing yoga is a wise investment in your health that offers a positive life style with increased energy without the use of toxic drugs polluting your liver and fewer Doctor visits which equals fewer co-payments. Yoga Chi for Energy DVD includes medically engineered relaxation techniques with an 11 minute meditation by a crackling fireplace.

By: Suzanne Andrews

Labels: cluster headache, cluster headaches, head ache, headache, headache relief, headaches, migraine, migrane, migranes, sinus headache, tension headache, tension headaches

Migraine is a neurological problem which is characterized by chronic headaches, often accompanied by nausea and sensory changes. Most migraine experts believe that many migraine headaches are triggered by a range of different environmental events including food and beverages, weather, and other factors. Research suggests that migraine triggers vary from person to person. Generally migraine headaches are very painful, one sided and may last from 4-72 hrs. Most common migraine symptoms include increased sensitivity to light and sound, nausea and vomiting. More than half of migraine sufferers perceive an aura-unusual visual, aromatic or any other type of sensory experience which usually arises before the headache begins.

According to scientific literature there are 4 main categories of migraine studies that follow different process for identifying the migraine trigger. They are as mentioned:

Challenge studies- here, migraine sufferer are deliberately exposed to factors that can act as potential triggers, to see whether the pain occurs or not. Researchers using this highly experimental approach have found very strong evidence for cause-and-effect linkages between triggers and headaches.

However, several experiments using the challenge approach have failed to confirm findings about triggers, most of these studies did not focus specifically on individuals reporting a special susceptibility to the trigger under investigation.

Treatment studies- according to this branch of study, the migraine sufferers are requested to avoid any contact with a particular set of migraine triggers (especially suspect food items) for a period of time, to see if this reduces the rate/frequency of headaches. This gradually helps in identifying the triggers, which if avoided leads to no headache.

‘Treatment studies’ are generally considered to be a mixed bag as some studies report beneficial effects of diet control which eliminates large numbers of foods, whereas other studies say there are no benefits. In general, it is hard to get many people to comply faithfully with food regiments in which many of their favorite foods are “off limits”. For this reason, the treatment study approach has not yielded either a generally effective therapy or robust research results.

In diary studies, patients are asked to maintain a record of the headaches and what were the factors they got exposed to that are on a list of suspected triggers. Some studies have used statistical analysis to examine whether there is a strong cause-and-effect relationship between trigger exposure and later headaches.

Survey studies- in survey studies, patients are asked to give their opinions about what they think and have observed cause their headaches.

In 1995, Silberstein and his colleagues conducted a survey of 500 migraine sufferers and found the following percentages believe their headaches were prompted by various categories of triggers like:

Stress

79.0%

Changes in Weather

44.0%

Before Menstruation

37.2%

Changes in Light

33.8%

Eating certain Foods

30.0%

During Menstruation

26.8%

Fatigue/insomnia/other

6.6%

Other Events (combined)

13.2%

These are some of the methods for identifying the triggers a person might be having before migraine headache and which causes them pain. The results of these studies together make it clear that migraine triggering is a reality. However, the heterogeneity of results strongly suggests that different individuals have different migraine triggers. Thus, to avoid headaches migraine sufferers cannot merely avoid items from common lists of triggers; instead, they will obtain more effective prevention if they determine what is causing their headaches in particular.

By: Migraine Solutions

Labels: and headache, headache, headache nausea, headache neck, headache pain, headache sinus, headache symptoms, headaches, headaches causes, migraine headache, migraine headaches, sinus headache