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.
