Migraine headaches are generally caused due to changing
factors in the brain-stem & its interaction with trigeminal nerve which is a
major pain pathway. What triggers this is still not well understood, but
genetics & environmental influences appear to play important roles.
Imbalances in production of brain chemicals such as serotonin also associate
with attacks of Migraine. These substances are largely found to regulate pain
within our nervous system. Researchers found substantial drop in serotonin
levels during course of Migraine attacks. Subsequently, it was observed that
trigeminal system released substances called neuropeptides which eventually traveled to the outer covering of the brain resulting in Migraine headaches.
Some
Common Triggers to Migraine Headaches
Whatever may be the mechanism behind Migraine headaches,
some common triggers encouraging them are listed here:-
Hormonal
Changes Among Women:
Referring to fluctuations in estrogen in
women which are found to trigger Migraine headaches, most of these patients
show a history of attacks immediately before or during periods. This is a ripe
time when they have substantial drops in hormone estrogen. Other women showed
increased tendency to develop Migraines during menopause & pregnancy. Oral
contraceptives & hormone replacement therapies are also found to worsen
Migraines. However, for some women these medications were found to be helpful
& which reduced frequency of Migraine headaches.
Some
Foods Influence Migraine:
Many processed foods including aged
cheeses & salty foods can trigger Migraines. Fasting & skipping meals
are also found to be triggering Migraines. Aspartame sweetener & monosodium
glutamate preservative which are additives found in many foods may trigger
Migraine as well. It has been observed that highly caffeinated beverages &
alcohol, especially wines, also act as triggers for Migraine headaches.
Stress
& Sensory Stimuli:
Stress is a major cause of Migraine,
whether at work or at home. Other sensory factors triggering Migraine include sun
glare, bright lights, loud sound & unusual smells like perfume, secondhand
smoke & paint thinners.
Environment
& Physical Factors In Migraine:
Changes in the sleep-wake-sleep pattern
can also be a cause for Migraine. Too much of sleep, missing sleep or even
jet-lag can cause Migraine. At times even a change in the weather or barometric
pressure can be good enough to prompt a Migraine. Some physical factors like
intense physical exertion like sexual activity may also provoke Migraine.
Migraines are difficult to treat despite medical
advances. Many patients of Migraine stop seeking medical care as they are
dissatisfied with treatments. However, a two-pronged abortive or preventive approach
can be taken up for Migraines.
Abortive Treatments for Migraine
Abortive therapy is useful when you want to stop a
Migraine attack at the prodrome stage or once it starts. Abortive medications
can be taken as they are needed. Some of these can be administered as
self-injections into thighs while others can be taken as wafer-melts on tongue
or nasal sprays. As they work quickly, these medications are pretty good for
people who have tendency to vomit during Migraine attacks.
Preventive
Treatments for Migraine
This type of treatment is usually considered for Migraine
patients who have more than one attack every week. It is aimed to deter the
frequency & severity of Migraine attacks. Preventive medications for
Migraine can be taken daily. A variety of drug classes of medicine have been
successfully used as preventive therapies.
