Migraines are a widespread problem that affects millions of people worldwide. There are many different causes of a migraine headache, but some are more serious than others. So, if your headaches are occurring more usually than ever and you haven’t been able to find relief, perhaps having a read will help.
Here we tell you the different types of migraines and how various factors cause them. Read on to know more!
1) Emotional Trauma Like Stress and Anxiety
A migraine is not just a headache. A severe headache accompanies nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. A migraine can also accompany other symptoms such as light sensitivity, throbbing pain behind the eyes and a feeling of fullness in your head.
Migraine headaches are caused by many factors, including stress, anxiety, sleep deprivation or even hormonal changes such as during pregnancy or menopause.
2) Genetics
The first significant cause of migraine headaches is linked to our genetics. When speaking of migraines, family history is vital as the likelihood of having a migraine increases if it were found that a close relative has had it. Many people who suffer from migraine symptoms report having relatives who also do so, which can make it difficult to avoid getting one yourself!
As a precautionary measure, you could, for instance, try the following:
- Avoiding caffeine (it’s been shown to increase anxiety)
- Avoiding alcohol (it increases blood pressure)
3) Food
Some specific foods and ingredients are linked to triggering the symptoms of migraine headaches. For instance, chocolate, coffee and red wine are known to be migraine triggers. If you’re sensitive to any of these foods or have a family history of migraines, avoid eating them if possible. You can also try switching from dark chocolate to milk chocolate and eliminating milk from your diet. What’s more, food additives such as MSG (monosodium glutamate), aspartame (NutraSweet), sodium benzoate and nitrates found in processed meats like hot dogs can trigger headaches in some people who are sensitive to them. These additives have been linked with migraine attacks and insomnia due to serotonin release during digestion, which may lead to nausea or vomiting after eating processed meats such as hotdogs.
4) Head Injury or Other Physical Trauma
Migraine headaches are also triggered by physical trauma, a blow to the head or an injury to the neck. Other causes include a brain stroke interrupting blood flow to the brain. So, suppose you have had a stroke. In that case, you’ll likely experience migraines more frequently than before because they’re caused by the same underlying condition—an interruption in blood flow through one portion of your brain.
Brain tumour – A benign brain tumour does not cause headaches directly. However, it may lead to numbness or weakness on one side of your body (hemiplegia), which could trigger another type of headache called hemiparesis (lack/loss/deficiency in movement).
Conclusion
Migraines are caused due to multiple factors. Genetics is one such deciding factor that can impact you. So, if you have the genes for migraine headaches, then it’s likely that your child will also inherit those genes and develop them as well. There are also other possible causes, such as food allergies or sensitivities to certain foods. Stress from work overloads or schoolwork can also pressure your nervous system, causing tension headaches. In contrast, anxiety can cause tension and cluster headaches, often characterized by severe pain around one eye.
While many factors could contribute to your headaches, you must understand what triggers them to prevent future episodes. Suppose you are unable to manage on your own. In that case, it’s beneficial to see your physician and treat it with proper medication. Opting for prescription medications in treating your migraine condition is beneficial as they can provide long-term relief.
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