Migraine headaches can very easily cause a person to lose daily function and enjoyment of life. Preventing and treating migraine headaches, however, can be done effectively with a wide range of both over the counter and prescription drugs. The exact causes of migraine headaches are still something of a mystery in the medical community, but it is usually accepted that serotonin plays a large role in migraine. 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 patient may note changes in vision and mood. Tenderness in the scalp is another sign of an oncoming migraine headache. Alterations in mood can also occur, 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 make daily functioning difficult. Fortunately, many medications exist to alleviate migraine pain. Sleep and plenty of fluids are crucial factors in migraine episode prevention. During an attack, go to a quiet and dimly lit area. Use a cold compress to reduce the tension, and massage the scalp with a fair amount of pressure. Emotional and physical stress are known to play a role in migraine development. Some foods are also believed to play a significant role in migraine development.
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. Chronic migraine episodes are reason to see a doctor or specialist about the potential causes.
