V arious Causes Of Migraine Headaches

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 widely held that serotonin levels in the brain play a significant role in the formation of migraine headaches. Low serotonin levels can frequently lead to a migraine headache episode.

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 sufferer may experience changes in vision, such as strange colors or spots that develop. Tenderness in the scalp is usually a sign of a developing migraine episode. Alterations in mood can also occur, such as depression or irritability. These subtle symptoms can manifest as early as a day before the episode. The following migraine headaches are typically fairly intense, but do not last very long.

Common migraine headache symptoms are a more prolonged variation of the problem, and can last for long periods of time. 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 very important in helping to prevent the onset of migraine headaches. During an attack, be sure to remain in a dark and quiet environment. 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 red wine should be avoided by sufferers of migraine headaches. Canned and processed meat are also known as frequent causes of migraine headaches. 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.