Better Your Understanding of the Common Casues of Migraines

If you're a migraine sufferer, then you understand just how painful they can be. You also know how migraine headaches, when they strike, can take over your life and stop in your tracks. To get relief from the pain of migraines you need to first figure out what causes your migraine headaches and then, of course, avoid that trigger. To help you determine what may be triggering your own headaches, here's a look at some common causes of migraines.

Hormonal Changes

While the exact relationship isn't known, a change in estrogen levels seems to trigger migraines in some women.

Food

Certain types of foods cause migraines in some people. Some of the most common food triggers are beer, red wine, chocolate, caffeine, and processed foods such as those that contain MSG (monosodium glutamate) and nitrates (hotdogs and certain lunchmeats). Aspartame, used to sweeten beverages, has been linked to migraines. Skipping a meal can also trigger a migraine.

Stress

Extended periods of extreme stress can also be the cause of migraines.

Sensory Stimuli

Another one of the many causes of migraines is sensory stimuli. Loud noises, stroang scents, and flashing lights have been known to trigger migraine headaches.

Changes in Sleep Patterns

Going from sleeping at night to sleeping during the day or vice versa can trigger a migraine headache. Too much or even too little sleep can also trigger migraines.

Physical Exertion

Sudden periods of exercise can cause migraines in people.

Medication

Almost any medication can cause migraine headaches. It all depends on the medication and your body's reaction to that medication. Starting or stopping a medication can often cause a migraine.

Caffeine

Too much, or sudden withdrawal from, caffeine, can trigger a migraine.

Weather

Changes in weather conditions such as quick temperature or barometric pressure changes can bring on a migraine.

The list of migraines causes will probably grow as the medical community continues to gain a better understand of the causes of migraines. For now, some of the most common causes of migraines are hormonal changes, food, stress, sensory stimuli, a change in sleep patterns, physical exertion, caffeine, weather changes, and medication. If you are a migraine sufferer, then you need to first look at this commone causes as the possible casues of your own migraines. By determining the cause, you can then avoid future migraine headaches.


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