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The Unpredictable Causes Of Migraine Headaches

2nd January, 2010 - Posted by health news - No Comments

Migraine headaches can very easily cause a person to lose daily function and enjoyment of life. Preventing and treating migraine headaches, however, is certainly possible with the right combination of medicine and therapy. The exact causes of migraine headaches remain unknown to 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 oftentimes be accompanied by 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. Mood swings are also common, 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 take longer to develop, and last longer than classic migraines. This can be seriously debilitating, and can be a real impediment to daily life. 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 red wine should be avoided by sufferers of migraine headaches. 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. If you suffer regular migraine headaches, see a physician for a full list of foods and beverages that should be avoided.