Migraine (HEADACHE)

MIGRAINE - headache in one side of the
head.

A migraine headache can Cause intense
throbbing or a pulsing sensation in one area
of the head and is commonly accompanied
by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity
to light and sound.

Migraine attacks can cause significant pain
for hours to days and be so severe that all
you can think about is finding a dark, quiet
place to lie down.

Some migraines are preceded or
accompanied by sensory warning symptoms
(aura), such as flashes of light, blind spots,
or tingling in your arm or leg.

Medications can help reduce the frequency
and severity of migraines. If treatment
hasn't worked for you in the past, talk to your
doctor about trying a different migraine
headache medication. The right medicines,
combined with self-help remedies and
lifestyle changes, may make a big
difference.

CAUSES

Although much about the cause of
migraines isn't understood, genetics and
environmental factors appear to play a role.
Migraines may be caused by changes in the
brainstem and its interactions with the
trigeminal nerve, a major pain pathway.
lmbalances in brain chemicals -including
serotonin, which helps regulate pain in your
nervous system - also may be involved.
Researchers continue to study the role of
Serotonin in migraines.

Serotonin levels drop during migraine
attacks. This may Cause your trigeminal
system to release substances called
neuropeptides, which travel to your brain's
outer covering (meninges). The result is
headache pain.

Migraine headache triggers

Whatever the exact mechanism of the
headaches, a number of things may trigger
them. Common migraine triggers include:

1. Hormonal changes in women.
   Fluctuations in estrogen seem to trigger
   headaches in many women with known
   migraines. Women with a history of
   migraines often report headaches
   immediately before or during their periods,
   when they have a major drop in estrogen.
   Others have an increased tendency to
   develop migraines during pregnancy or
   menopause.

2. Hormonal medications, such as oral
   contraceptives and hormone replacement
   therapy, also may worsen migraines. Some
   women, however, may find their migraines
   occur less often when taking these
   medications.

3. Foods. Aged cheeses, salty foods and
   processed foods may trigger migraines.
   Skipping meals or fasting also can trigger
   attacks.

4. Food additives. The sweetener aspartame
   and the preservative monosodium
   glutamate, found in many foods, may trigger
   migraines.

5. Drinks. Alcohol, especially wine, and
   highly caffeinated beverages may trigger
   migraines.

6. Stress. Stress at work or home can cause
   migraines.

7. Sensory stimuli. Bright lights and sun
   glare can induce migraines, as can loud
   sounds. Unusual smells - including
   perfume, paint thinner, secondhand smoke
   and others - can trigger migraines in some
   people.

8. Changes in wake-sleep pattern. Missing
   sleep or getting too much sleep may trigger
   migraines in some people, as can jet lag.

9. Physical factors. Intense physical
   exertion, including sexual activity, may
   provoke migraines.

10. Changes in the environment. A change of
    weather or barometric pressure can prompt
    a migraine.

11. Medications. Oral contraceptives and
    vasodilators, such as nitroglycerin, can
    aggravate migraines.