"The causes of migraines in most people can be identified. However, identifying the causes of migraines does not mean they can be easily overcome.
Migraines are nasty headaches that vary in severity from one individual to another. They can make life miserable for most sufferers and fighting a migraine seems like taking on insurmountable odds for most. While medical science is still at a loss to help decipher what the causes of migraines are in most people, it is possible for each individual to identify the causes of migraines for themselves. The most obvious of symptoms associated with migraines would be the chronic headache though there are other phenomena that seem to occur with it on a regular basis.
Causes and triggers of migraines
Migraines can be debilitating, they can affect the individual’s ability to function in a normal and efficient manner. The term was coined from the Greek word “Hemikrania” which means pain on one side of the head. Most people who suffer from migraines can sense pain usually that radiates from one side of the head. The headache that usually occurs is one that is pulsating in nature. It may last for anything between 2 and 72 hours, depending on the severity of the attack. The causes of migraines have still not been ascertained by the medical community worldwide. However, preliminary stages of research indicate that the cause of migraines might be based on genetic and environmental issues. Families with a history of migraines amongst the different members have a greater chance of passing them on to future generations. Stress, hunger and fatigue, physical abuse and post-traumatic stress disorder have also been noticed to trigger migraines amongst those who are susceptible to the condition. Women are more susceptible to attacks during menstruation, and the headaches can also be triggered by the excessive use of oral contraceptives and even pregnancy in some cases. Symptoms of migraines other than headaches in one-third of the people who suffer from them are the influence of auras. An aura may be sensory, motor or visual and in some cases the experiences can involve a combination of all three.
Symptoms of Migraines and tackling them
Migraines can lead to extreme discomfort. The auras usually occur in only one-third of the sufferers. Everyone who shows symptoms of migraines experiences the chronic one-sided headaches though. Other visible symptoms also include the onset of vomiting and a general feeling of nausea. Sometimes the migraines can be accompanied by a hypersensitivity to light, sound smell and increased fatigue and irritability. A lack of sleep or sleeping too much can also increase the chances of having a migraine. Individuals can attempt to treat migraines by stimulating the body. Under the eyebrow, there is a nerve that can help the pituitary gland release pain-relieving endorphins immediately. Hot and cold compresses work exceptionally well in helping alleviate the symptoms of migraines and can be used alternatively at the point affected the most and also at the back of the neck which tends to get affected during migraines.
Migraines can be reduced in frequency by bringing about changes in the individual’s diet and fitness regimes. Avoiding foods that serve as triggers and getting adequate amounts of rest can ensure that the causes of migraines are significantly reduced. The symptoms of migraines, while varied amongst the populace are of significant importance as they affect more people than diabetes, asthma and epilepsy combined. When a condition afflicts so many people, research must be undertaken to find the underlying cause so that the pain of millions may be alleviated. Till then however, management of the causes of migraines takes precedence over all others."