Understanding Migraine Headaches In An Effort Prevent Them

In the world of migraine headache sufferers, every moment can be filled with an anxiety over the possibility of another episode. A migraine headache can easily incapacitate its sufferers and put them out of commission for hours or even days. While the causes of a migraine differ from person to person, the suffering is often the same.

Migraine headaches are pervasive in this culture as more and more people experience its repercussions at some time during their life. But the ongoing sufferers – those who experience migraine headaches many times a year – have spurred continued research regarding the causes of migraines. The causes of the migraine may be varied and complex depending on the person experiencing it, but the process is the same. Research has shown that the symptoms of a migraine headache occur when the blood vessels of the brain become enlarged in response to particular irritants. This inflammation of blood vessels affects the central nervous system and, in many cases, the digestive system.

The result of this irritation can mean a variety of symptoms for the migraine sufferer including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, smell, and noise, and, in some severe cases, complete incapacitation for the length of the migraine. Clearly, those who suffer severe migraines on a frequent basis are subject to the interruption of their daily routine and sufferers often report difficulty in their jobs and family life. It is no wonder that the prime concern of those who suffer from migraine headaches is not only the treatment of migraines but the prevention of them as well.

Some common causes of migraines include exposure to smoke, excessive caffeine intake, red wine consumption, lack of sleep, high levels of stress, and particular foods such as those that contain certain additives. Research has also shown a correlation between migraine headaches and hormone fluctuations which may explain the propensity of women to migraines; women are much more likely to suffer migraines than men.
Because the irritants that can spark a migraine differ from person to person, it is essential that each migraine sufferer keep careful track of the frequency and circumstances surrounding their migraines. For this reason, experts agree that there is merit to keeping a migraine journal that documents all details of the episode. With careful tracking over the course of several weeks to months, sufferers may be able to see a very clear pattern of migraine triggers that they will be wise to avoid in the future.

In some cases, simply avoiding personal triggers will help to eliminate migraines. But when migraines continue, it may be necessary to consult a doctor. There are advanced methods of drug therapy that have had quite a bit of success with severe migraines.