what causes migraine
What Causes Migraine FAQ
Can migraines cause vomiting?
Yes, vomiting is a well known side effect of migraines.
Can chocolate cause migraines?
Maybe. Some people seem to be able to identify chocolate as a migraine trigger food whereas others appear to be unaffected. Chocolate contains well known migraine triggering chemicals such as caffeine, theobromine, and phenylethylamine. Do not feel like you MUST eliminate chocolate just because you are a migraine sufferer. However if you want to play it safe, switch to white chocolate or other types of sweets.
Can allergies cause migraines?
This is an interesting question. Many people are eager to link the cause of their migraines to allergies – environmental, chemical, food, etc. For the most part it appears that what is really happening is not a true allergy but a “trigger” response. What are triggers? Triggers are stimuli that provoke a physiological response in one’s body that leads to migraine or headache attacks. This can include dust, chemicals, strong odors or fragrances, bright light, certain foods, etc.
Many people who have persistent sinus headaches assume that the pain and swelling is due to ongoing allergies or sinus infection. While taken for granted as common knowledge, among migraine and sinus experts, this is not believed to be possible. If infection is suspected, there should be signs such as pus and a fever, and after a reasonable amount of time – the infection should go away. Otherwise, if the condition persists – seek medical attention for a possible migraine condition as migraines can also cause pain AND swelling in the sinuses and face.
If you are concerned that triggers are a factor, make extra effort to use organic cleaning agents, dust filters, and regular cleaning in addition to other more specific trigger avoidance techniques.
Can migraines cause seizures?
There is a certain kind of migraine – the Familial (genetic roots as thought to be linked to gene mutations on chromosomes 1 and 19) or Sporadic (no apparent family link) Hemiplegic Migraine which has symptoms that strongly mimic a stroke or epilepsy. As always, your doctor must rule out vascular disorders and well as epilepsy. An acurate diagnosis for this condition is crucial as traditional migraine medicine such as triptans and ergots can be dangerous.
Hemiplegic Migraines have a few unique characteristics – aura symptoms that can last from days to weeks, lack of coordination or balance, profound weakness or paralysis in limbs, seizure, fever, and symptoms that strongly mimic meningitis without the actual illness and inflammation.
Can stress cause migraines?
Not directly as many people believe but rather stress lowers your overall migraine threshold – meaning a migraine will come on easier than usual if exposed to your triggers.
Can migraines cause dizziness?
Yes definitely. Dizziness is a commonly reported aura symptom (a symptom with a neurological root cause that resolves once the headache stage of the migraine begins.) Keep in mind that any unexplained dizziness, or dizziness felt for the first time, could always indicate more serious medical conditions.
Auras without migraine
Auras without migraine
Is it possible to have auras without migraine? Yes, it most certainly is.
Stages of a migraine
“Migraine” is in fact a neurological condition that is caused by neurons in one’s brain reacting to certain stimulus in an excitable way – that ultimately leads to inflammation and swelling of blood vessels in the brain. Migraine attack can actually be broken down into stages – once you have a clear understanding of migraine stages, it will become clear how it is possible to have an aura without migraine.
The four stages of a migraine include:
The prodome or “pre-migraine” stage. This stage can last from a few hours to a few days an can include feelings of fatigue, trouble concentrating, nausea, blurred vision, among other symptoms.
Aura stage. This phase includes the onset of neurological symptoms such as visual or auditory disturbances, dizziness, sensations of numbness, etc. It is important to note that symptoms in this stage will develop over five to twenty minutes in rapid succession, and each symptoms will usually last sixty minutes or less – the aura stage is then terminated when the headache phase begins. Not every person will experience this stage and among those that do – not every time.
Headache phase. This phase usually lasts anywhere from hours to days. The pain is usually throbbing in sensation, single sided, and of moderate to severe intensity. Not every person will go on to develop a headache phase.
Postdrome or “post-migraine” phase. The length of this stage varies from person to person. Some may be left feeling drained or hungover for days whereas others may feel fine fairly quickly.
Some people will experience the aura stage of a migraine and then not go on to develop the headache phase. While not a common condition, this is most frequently found in older migraine sufferers and men. Usually what is described is persistent fleeting vision problems that simply clear up on their own. Keep in mind that these kinds of symptoms can always be caused by serious or potentially life threatening conditions. For this reason it is vital to be examined by a qualified medical professional!
auras migraine
Auras Migraine
What is a migraine aura?
Aura symptoms can be defined as a set of neurological symptoms that will occur before the headache phase of a migraine. Common aura symptoms include:
- Visual disturbances like blurry vision, seeing halos around objects, twinkling lights, distorted vision, loss of vision, etc
- Auditory disturbances such as hearing things that are not there, distorted hearing (sounds may sound too quiet or very loud, and so on.
- Sensory symptoms include feeling dizzy, numb, sensation of prickly “pins and needles, etc.
Aura symptoms are not limited to the list above but rather tend to vary from person to person and from migraine to migraine. Symptoms usually come on over the course of five to twenty minutes and then last around an hour or so. The most important thing to remember is that aura symptoms always go away completely once the headache phase comes on. If you are experiencing aura symptoms that do not disappear, please visit a medical professional to ensure that you are not experiencing a more serious medical condition.
Why do these symptoms come on?
No one is completely certain, but there are currently a few promising theories. In general it is believed that migraines are caused by excitable neurons which cause the swelling and irritation of blood vessels in the brain. The symptoms of aura are believed to be caused by – lack of blood flow to certain parts of the brain, or affected by nearby swelling. This would also explain in part why aura symptoms can vary so much from person to person.
Is it possible to have a migraine without aura?
Yes, it is a common misconception that in order to be experiencing a migraine that one must also have symptoms of aura. In truth, only the minority of migraine sufferers will experience aura symptoms and even then, not every time. It is also possible to have a migraine with aura that does not go on to develop the headache stage. This type of migraine is a little more difficult to diagnose, but if no other cause can be found for say, reoccurring fleeting vision problems, then migraine with aura without headache can be diagnosed.
caffeine headache
Caffeine Headache
Many of us start our day with a cup of coffee to wake us up and continue to drink through out the day for the added energy boost and mental awareness – but did you know that caffeine can actually treat headaches? Its true! Read on to learn more about caffeine and headaches.
Caffeine is most commonly found in coffee, tea, soda, energy drinks, chocolate, and natural supplements such as guarana and mate. Caffeine is also added to common over the counter pain medications like Advil and Tylenol to boost pain killing capability. Caffeine is also added to prescription medications like ergotamines, which is frequently prescribed for migraines.
Is Caffeine Effective for Treating Headaches?
Yes. Caffeine is FDA-approved specifically for the treatment of pain. This includes headaches and migraines. Caffeine is also considered particularly effective for treating headaches brought on by epidural anesthesia (frequently used during childbirth.)
Is Caffeine Safe?
Most adults will find caffeine completely harmless, although there are many people who simply do not tolerate it at all. Mild side effects of caffeine include problems with sleeping, relaxing, stomach pain, and elevated heart beat. If taken in large doses caffeine can cause headaches, increased anxiety, and chest pain.
Caffeine is considered reasonably safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women in doses under 200mg per day – this is about two cups of coffee. Consuming too much caffeine could increase risk of miscarriage so always check with your doctor to make sure this option is safe for you. If breastfeeding keep in mind that caffeine can pass to your baby through breast milk. Too much caffeine in your baby’s system could be potentially unhealthy and cause insomnia, irritability, and changes in bowel activity.
Note: Caffeine does not mix well with all medications. If you are taking prescription medication be sure to check for interactions. Certain medications can inhibit the body’s natural breakdown of caffeine. This can cause an increase in related side effects – including headache.
How Much Caffeine Should I take to Treat a Headache?
Approximately 250 mg per day. This is slightly more than a cup of coffee depending on brew strength. 300 mg is the recommended dosage for headaches brought on by epidural anesthesia (this can also be administered intravenously.)
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