Migraine Headaches: Miseries and Myths

Migraine attacks are not just agonising, they often prevent sufferers from leading a normal life. Read on to find out how you can cope with them. The world swims before you, literally, as you see flashes of light and funny patterns dancing before your eyes. Suddenly you find yourself helpless. You can barely see. As the nausea starts to hit, you break into a cold sweat. As if thats not bad enough, as you try to reorient yourself, the pain hits you. You feel like screaming as the pain seems to seep through to your very existence, ripping you apart. What is happening, you ask. These are symptoms of a migraine headache attack. In this articleIdentifying a Migraine HeadacheCauses of a Migraine HeadacheTriggers for a Migraine HeadacheThree Common Myths about a MigraineManaging Your Migraine Identifying a Migraine Headache A migraine headache is a neurological disorder that is characterised by headaches that can last from a few hours to even days. A person suffering from a migraine headache will be overly sensitive towards soundand light. One out of three people who suffer from migraines experience an aura effect that affects their sight. This is a forewarning to the pain that will ensue. Causes of a Migraine Headache One of the myths that shroud migraine headaches is that they are caused by stress. In reality, migraine headaches are caused by physiological triggers. These triggers cause a drop in the level of a chemical neurotransmitter called Serotonin. Serotonin plays a role in regulatingpain along a major pathway in the nerve system called the trigeminal nerve system. When the Serotonin level drops, vasodilatation (relaxation or opening of a blood vessel) occurs in the cranial blood vessels—the arteriesand veins. This leads to the development of a migraine headache. Thus a trigger will lead to the expansion of the arteries, which puts pressure on the cranial tissue causing thepain one feels during a migraine. Triggers for a Migraine Headache A trigger for migraine is any factor that increases a persons risk of having a migraine attack. Triggers do not cause migraines rather they activate the processes that lead to a migraine. A trigger may or may not cause a migraine every time. While some of the triggers that initiatemigraine headaches are controllable, others are not. Migraine headache triggers can range from hormonal changes, foods, stress, sensory stimuli, changes in sleep patterns, physical factors, changes in environment, and medications. Though the exact relationship between hormonal changes that cause a migraine headache is unclear, it has been noted that women report havingmigraines before or after their periods and this coincides with a substantial drop in oestrogen levels. Foods that may induce a migraine headache include alcohol, especially red wine and beer; chocolate; aspartame; aged cheeses; fermented, pickled or marinated foods; monosodium glutamate (a key ingredient in certain Asian foods); certain seasoningsand many canned and processed foods. Caffeine when taken in excess can trigger migraines. Skipping meals or fasting also can trigger migraines. A change in work schedule might trigger a migraine headache. A hard week at work, followed by total relaxation, may lead to a weekend migraine. The physiological reaction to stress at work or home can be another initiator ofmigraines. Certain sensory triggers, such as bright lights and sun glare, can lead to the onslaught of a migraine headache. There are even olfactory triggers such as unusual smells—including both strong pleasantand unpleasant scents. Three Common Myths about a Migraine Migraine headaches are enshrouded in some common myths. Migraine Headaches are just bad headaches: Migraine headaches are caused in a different manner as compared to normal headaches. A normal headache is caused by narrowing of the blood vessels in the brain (vasoconstriction), whilemigraines are caused due to the inflammation of cranial blood vessels (vasodilatation). Migraine Headaches are a sign of psychological problems: In reality, migraine headaches are a biological disorder and should not be confused with a psychological symptom. It is a genuine medical disorder. Migraines, though annoying, are not life threatening: In reality, migraines can lead to a number of serious physical ailments including strokes, aneurysms (blister like pouches on blood vessel walls which bleed when ruptured), permanent visual loss, severe dental problems,and even coma. Migraines not only induce excruciating pain, but the social stigma that is attached with migraines can lead to job loss, disruption to personal relationships, and prejudices in the workplace. Managing Your Migraine The first step to coping with a migraine headache is to understand what triggers it. This may be diagnosed by maintaining a migraine headache diaryand trying to record possible physical elements such as diet, temperature, and work conditions to identify triggers. Sleep is considered to be one of the best treatments for a migraine headache depending on its severity. Some suggested treatments for migraines include physical therapy such as massages or exercise for 15-20 minutes a day. Botox is a drug that is said to have reduced the chances of migraine headache attacks. Other drugs include magnesium supplements, which are believed to reduce the possibility of a migraine attack.

Migraine attacks are not just agonising, they often prevent sufferers from leading a normal life. Read on to find out how you can cope with them.

The world swims before you, literally, as you see flashes of light and funny patterns dancing before your eyes. Suddenly you find yourself helpless. You can barely see. As the nausea starts to hit, you break into a cold sweat. As if that's not bad enough, as you try to reorient yourself, the pain hits you. You feel like screaming as the pain seems to seep through to your very existence, ripping you apart. What is happening, you ask. These are symptoms of a migraine headache attack.

Identifying a Migraine Headache

A migraine headache is a neurological disorder that is characterised by headaches that can last from a few hours to even days. A person suffering from a migraine headache will be overly sensitive towards soundand light. One out of three people who suffer from migraines experience an aura effect that affects their sight. This is a forewarning to the pain that will ensue.

Causes of a Migraine Headache

One of the myths that shroud migraine headaches is that they are caused by stress. In reality, migraine headaches are caused by physiological triggers. These triggers cause a drop in the level of a chemical neurotransmitter called Serotonin. Serotonin plays a role in regulatingpain along a major pathway in the nerve system called the trigeminal nerve system. When the Serotonin level drops, vasodilatation (relaxation or opening of a blood vessel) occurs in the cranial blood vessels—the arteriesand veins. This leads to the development of a migraine headache. Thus a trigger will lead to the expansion of the arteries, which puts pressure on the cranial tissue causing thepain one feels during a migraine.

Triggers for a Migraine Headache

A trigger for migraine is any factor that increases a person's risk of having a migraine attack. Triggers do not cause migraines rather they activate the processes that lead to a migraine. A trigger may or may not cause a migraine every time. While some of the triggers that initiatemigraine headaches are controllable, others are not. Migraine headache triggers can range from hormonal changes, foods, stress, sensory stimuli, changes in sleep patterns, physical factors, changes in environment, and medications. Though the exact relationship between hormonal changes that cause a migraine headache is unclear, it has been noted that women report havingmigraines before or after their periods and this coincides with a substantial drop in oestrogen levels. Foods that may induce a migraine headache include alcohol, especially red wine and beer; chocolate; aspartame; aged cheeses; fermented, pickled or marinated foods; monosodium glutamate (a key ingredient in certain Asian foods); certain seasoningsand many canned and processed foods. Caffeine when taken in excess can trigger migraines. Skipping meals or fasting also can trigger migraines. A change in work schedule might trigger a migraine headache. A hard week at work, followed by total relaxation, may lead to a weekend migraine. The physiological reaction to stress at work or home can be another initiator ofmigraines. Certain sensory triggers, such as bright lights and sun glare, can lead to the onslaught of a migraine headache. There are even olfactory triggers such as unusual smells—including both strong pleasantand unpleasant scents.

Three Common Myths about a Migraine

Migraine headaches are enshrouded in some common myths.

1. Migraine Headaches are just bad headaches: Migraine headaches are caused in a different manner as compared to normal headaches. A normal headache is caused by narrowing of the blood vessels in the brain (vasoconstriction), whilemigraines are caused due to the inflammation of cranial blood vessels (vasodilatation).
2. Migraine Headaches are a sign of psychological problems: In reality, migraine headaches are a biological disorder and should not be confused with a psychological symptom. It is a genuine medical disorder.
3. Migraines, though annoying, are not life threatening: In reality, migraines can lead to a number of serious physical ailments including strokes, aneurysms (blister like pouches on blood vessel walls which bleed when ruptured), permanent visual loss, severe dental problems,and even coma. Migraines not only induce excruciating pain, but the social stigma that is attached with migraines can lead to job loss, disruption to personal relationships, and prejudices in the workplace.

Managing Your Migraine

The first step to coping with a migraine headache is to understand what triggers it. This may be diagnosed by maintaining a migraine headache diaryand trying to record possible physical elements such as diet, temperature, and work conditions to identify triggers. Sleep is considered to be one of the best treatments for a migraine headache depending on its severity. Some suggested treatments for migraines include physical therapy such as massages or exercise for 15-20 minutes a day. Botox is a drug that is said to have reduced the chances of migraine headache attacks. Other drugs include magnesium supplements, which are believed to reduce the possibility of a migraine attack.