Health

What Are the Main Trigger Factors of Migraines?

Migraines cause pain and a pulsing sensation in a patient, often affecting one side of their head. According to statistics, migraines affect close to 10% of the world’s overall population. Mild conditions can be managed by oral medications, but severe cases require the intervention of a qualified neurologist. Book an appointment with a migraine specialist in Alexandria if your attacks last for hours or the pain affects your functionality. Below are the most common causes of migraines.

Hormonal changes

Women are usually at a higher risk of having migraine attacks than men. The main reason for this likelihood is hormonal changes in women. They are likely to experience migraines just before they have their monthly menstruation or during their periods. Additionally, women past 45 years old experience migraines because of decreased estrogen at menopause. Pregnant ladies are also at a higher risk of migraines because of hormone changes. Contraceptives affect the body’s hormone production, which also causes migraines.

Diet

A lot of people may not be aware that diet could be a major trigger of migraines in their bodies. However, the specific foods that you eat could be the cause of your headaches. These foods include salami, salty foods, processed foods, and eating aged cheese. Additionally, too much alcohol and caffeine could also trigger migraines. Experts recommend that you instead drink more water throughout the day and increase your fruit intake instead of drinking caffeine or alcohol. Studies have also shown that skipping meals could aggravate or increase the occurrence of migraines. Thus, people who get constant headaches should avoid fasting.

Stress

Constant work and home life stress could be the main cause of your stubborn migraines. Stress could also increase the risk of recurrence. Therefore, if you are struggling with high-stress levels, you should see a specialist for counseling to avoid other body and mind complications caused by stress. Doctors recommend avoiding emotional and physical stress as too much exercise, and sexual activity are also triggers of migraines.

Medications

Any medication that involves hormone replacement could potentially be a risk factor for migraines. Common examples of such drugs are birth control contraceptives and nitroglycerin. Therefore, it is essential that you speak to your doctor if you suspect medications are a trigger factor of your migraines. The doctor could change the prescription or advise you accordingly.

Poor sleep habits  

If you are sleeping for fewer hours than the recommended 8 hours for an adult, you increase the chances of experiencing a migraine. Too much sleep could also have similar effects. Therefore, doctors advise that you get enough sleep to avoid spending a whole day trying to make up for missed sleep. You should adopt the right sleeping techniques such as turning lights off if sleep is an issue for you.

The doctor needs to review your past medical history, current physical condition, and review symptoms to determine the cause of your migraine. They may also perform tests to further narrow down. Depending on your condition, the doctor can then recommend the right treatment. Book an appointment today with Integrated Neurology Services for an effective solution.

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