The Mysterious Causes Of Migraine Headaches

Migraine headaches can very easily cause a person to lose daily function and enjoyment of life. Preventing and treating migraine headaches, however, is certainly possible with the right combination of medicine and therapy. The exact causes of migraine headaches remain unknown to the medical community, but it is widely held that serotonin levels in the brain play a significant role in the formation of migraine headaches. Low serotonin levels are usually accompanied by a migraine headache.

Migraine headache symptoms can sometimes be preceded by what is known as an “aura.” An aura occurs with what are called classic migraine headaches. In a classic migraine attack, the sufferer may experience changes in vision, such as strange colors or spots that develop. Tenderness in the scalp is another sign of an oncoming migraine headache. Mood swings are also common, such as depression or irritability. These subtle symptoms can begin developing as much as a full day before the onset of a migraine attack. The following migraine headaches usually come about with a high degree of intensity, but do not last long.

Common migraine headache symptoms take longer to develop, and last longer than classic migraines. This can be seriously debilitating, and can be a real impediment to daily life. Fortunately, many medications exist to alleviate migraine pain. Sleep and plenty of fluids are crucial factors in migraine episode prevention. During an attack, be sure to remain in a dark and quiet environment. Use a cold compress to reduce the tension, and massage the scalp with a fair amount of pressure. Stress is believed to be one of the top causes of migraine headaches, and should therefore be avoided as much as possible. Some foods are also believed to be behind causes of migraine headaches.

Physicians recommend, for example, that sufferers consider avoiding red wine altogether. Canned and processed meat can also attribute to migraine episodes. Cause of headaches can also include excess amounts of caffeine, aged cheese, or cultured dairy products. If you suffer regular migraine headaches, see a physician for a full list of foods and beverages that should be avoided.