Different Migraine Triggers and Treatment Options
A migraine is a headache that causes a severe throbbing or pulsing sensation on one side of the head and is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light. The pain can be so intense that it interferes with your productivity. Rockville migraines can last for several hours, but the good news is medications can help make them less painful. Although most migraines go undiagnosed and untreated, you must see your doctor if the headache is abrupt and severe or if it worsens after coughing or any sudden movement. Below are the triggers and treatments for migraine.
What causes a migraine?
The specific causes of migraine are not fully established, but genetics and environmental factors appear to contribute. When you experience a headache, particular nerves in the blood vessels transmit pain signals to your brain. As a response, your body releases inflammatory substances in your nerves and blood vessels in your head. It is yet to be clear why your nerves do that. The following are common triggers of a migraine attack.
- Caffeine
You may have a headache when you consume too much caffeine or when caffeine levels in your body abruptly drop. Blood vessels may become used to caffeine, and its absence could trigger a headache. Healthcare providers may sometimes recommend caffeine to treat acute migraines, but it should not be a habit.
- Hormonal changes in women
Migraines are common as women approach their menstrual period due to abrupt hormone fluctuations. The sudden drop in estrogen levels can trigger migraines. Hormonal changes also occur when women get to menopause. The body stops producing estrogen hormone during this time, resulting in different symptoms, including headaches. Birth control pills also cause hormonal changes, which trigger migraine. Hormonal changes do not cause migraine in men.
- Sensory stimuli
Bright or flashing lights from your TV, smartphone, computer, and sunlight can trigger migraine. Loud sounds such as music or cheering from a crow can also trigger migraines. Some individuals may have headaches due to solid smells like paint thinner, perfume, and secondhand smoke.
Other triggers of a migraine attack include intense physical exertion, which may be due to sexual activity or rigorous exercise. Certain foods such as aged cheese, salty foods, processed meals, and food additives, including sweetener aspartame, can cause headaches. Stress at home or work can also result in a migraine.
What is the treatment for migraines?
Treatment for migraines can relieve the symptoms or prevent future attacks. As soon as the migraine symptoms begin, pain-relieving medications such as over-the-counter medications may be of help. Your doctor may also prescribe drugs such as sumatriptan to block pain pathways in the brain. These drugs are available in different forms, including pills, nasal sprays, and shots. If your migraine is accompanied by nausea, your doctor may prescribe anti-nausea medications such as metoclopramide, chlorpromazine, and prochlorperazine.
It is essential to discuss with your doctor before taking any of these medications, especially during pregnancy or trying to get pregnant.
If you need to learn more about migraines, consult your doctor at Doctors First.
