Getting to Know the Causes of Migraine

Research has shown that levels of serotonin, a known neurotransmitter in the brain, may play a role in the development of migraines. Serotonin levels seem to drop when migraines occur.

More than the causes of migraine, it is important that one takes note of the triggering factors of migraine. There is actually no one triggering factor for one person.

Often migraines will start from the interaction of a variety of factors. A triggering factor for one person may not necessarily be the triggering factor for another.

Since migraines as mentioned before is linked to hormones, it is not surprising that the monthly fluctuations in the hormonal balance that women experience will likely trigger a migraine attack.

Some will either get them when they are about to start their monthly period or at the middle of the way, when the flow is at its greatest. Ironically, extra estrogen, one of the female hormones in the body, can actually decrease the possibility of getting a migraine.

Food also plays a role in triggering a migraine attack. The kinds of food involved are hazy at best and would probably need a more personalized checking.

Remember that not all people get Migraines from the same kinds of food.

In fact, most do not even know the food that triggers their migraine. In a survey conducted, only about 10 to 20 percent of Americans actually know the food involved.

The rest are just in the dark. Here are some of the food items that seem to trigger migraines.

Chocolates, coffee, monosodium glutamate, red wine and beer and pickles and other fermented food. The lack of food may also trigger migraines so don't be too sure!

The environment especially the temperature can also trigger migraines. Any extreme changes including some changes in the illumination or strong odors.

Migraines can be pretty inconvenient especially if the pain is too debilitating.

Often, people suffering from migraine attacks take a leave of absences because the pain renders them ineffective in their daily duties.

Migraines is a vascular problem characterized primarily by severe headache. This is due to the constrictions in the blood vessels that cause them to expand.

Another likely cause of migraine is the shifting levels of hormones in the body, which can be seen during menopausal periods and menstrual cycles.

It is important to remember though that there are types of migraines that do not involve the pain in the head. Acephalgic migraine or what is called the silent migraine is an eye migraine that do not involve any pain.

Instead, visual disturbances occur such as temporary double visions and blindness in the eye. Other symptoms of migraine are vomiting, nausea, visual problems and dizzy spells.

Because of its many types, treatment of migraines can be pretty complex. In fact, experts advise people to consult their doctors and do not self-medicate especially if the migraine attacks become more frequent and chronic.

One must remember though that migraine cannot be "cured" per se as it is not a disease but a condition. The only thing that doctors can do is to help control it and hopefully anticipate the next attack.

Many believe that though it is pretty hard to know when another migraine episode will occur, preventive treatment is still best.

Triggering factors can be different for every individual. For instance, a strong odor may trigger the migraine of one but leave another migraine-afflicted person unaffected.

Among the most common triggering factors are stress, eye problems, food, and bright lights.

Another avenue for treatment is diet restrictions. There are food items that are closely associated with migraine episodes.

Among these food items are alcoholic beverages, dairy products and processed foods such as canned products and junk foods that are rich in monosodium glutamate. Others go for preventive medications.

In fact, most people see this as the most convenient of the preventive techniques as it only involves taking in of medicines. Other forms of treatment for Migraines that doctors can do are behavior modification techniques, biofeedback and relaxation techniques.

Although preventive treatment is effective for some, it cannot be used on others. Migraines can be really unpredictable and episodes are so far between that you'll never know when you will have another again.

For people whose episodes are not really as frequent, symptomatic relief or what is called abortive treatment is best prescribed.

There are non prescription drugs that are typically used to help relieve the pain. Among them are aspirin; acetaminophen; naproxen; ketoprofen; and ibuprofen.

All these are known pain-relievers that work well with migraines that are mild. It is however important to note that there are complications that can occur if one self-medicate so it best to also consult a doctor.

However, if the pain severe, a consultation with a doctor is needed. Doctors will often prescribed a much more stronger medication for the pain.

Some of the medicines that are commonly prescribed by doctors are Dihydroergotamine, which are better known in their brand names Migranal and D.H.E. 45 and ergotamine with its brand name Ergostat, which may be used alone or in combination with other medicines

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