Migraines Dissected

Cutting to the chase, lets dissect the migraine so that all who suffer from them can understand what makes them tick. Once you understand the migraine, it becomes a little easier to deal with...

Cutting to the chase, lets dissect the migraine so that all who suffer from them can understand what makes them tick. Once you understand the migraine, it becomes a little easier to deal with them.

What might some of the physical and environmental causes of a migraine be?

There are many factors that can trigger a migraine including:

Stress, fatigue, either lack of sleep or sleeping too much, fasting or missing too many meals, certain foods or medications can affect the blood vessels, caffeine, chocolate, alcohol, menses, hormonal changes, and changes in barometric pressure or change in altitude.

Did you know that certain foods could affect your chance for a migraine?

A food item triggers approximately 30% of all migraines. Keeping a food journal can help you determine if a certain food might be the culprit.

Another common trigger for migraines is tyramine. This is a chemical found in red wines, alcoholic beverages, aged cheeses, and processed meats including hot dogs that may trigger migraines. It is also found in the meat on pizza, peanuts, chicken livers, pickled foods, sourdough, bread and crackers that contain cheese, broad beans, peas, and lentils.

Other foods that can trigger a migraine for some individuals are avocados, bananas, citrus fruits, figs, raisins, red plums, raspberries, and chocolates.

Don’t be surprised if you find out that it isn’t just one food but a certain combination of foods that is your trigger.

Unfortunately experts say that migraines are hereditary, so if your Dad or Mom suffers from migraines than you have a good chance for joining them in their misery.

Unfortunately it is sometimes not just one trigger but an interaction of a variety of factors.

Physical triggers of migraines may include irregular sleep patterns, head trauma, physical exertion, fatigue, vigorous activity, a sudden or intense exertion, and also when you either skip meals or have an irregular pattern of eating.

Hormonal migraine triggers include different things such as ovulation, hormone supplements and also premenstrual time of the cycle for women.

Psychological migraine triggers can be stress, post-stress activity, depression, anxiety or excess worry.

Environmental migraine triggers are experiencing a bright light or a glare, flashing or flickering lights, fluorescent lighting, weather changes, strong odors, repetitive visual patterns, air pollution, secondhand smoke, chemical fumes, and also motion sickness.

Chemical or drug triggers might include nitroglycerine, histamine, hypertension drugs, and drugs that lower blood pressure, diuretics, and also anti-asthma medications.

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