What causes migraine headaches?
The exact cause of migraine headaches is not known; however there are many theories. One theory which is accepted by many scientists is that migraines are caused by a vulnerability of the central nervous system to immediate changes to your body or environment. Migraines may be triggered by several things such as changes in your environment, behavior, diet, physical condition, or drugs that you take.Physical triggers of a migrane include
:- menstruation
- ovulation
- ovarian cycle disorders
Pharmacologic triggers include:
- oral
contraceptives
- glyceryl
trinitrate
- theophylline
- reserpine
- nifedipine
- indomethacin
- cimetidine
Dietary triggers include:
- alcohol
- tyramine
(aged cheeses and fermented foods)
- aspartame
(artificial sweetener)
- monosodium
glutamate (MSG)
- phenylethylamine
(present in some OTC drugs and chocolate)
- nitrates
(preservatives used in sausage, bacon, and lunch
meats)
- citrus foods and products
Missing meals, changing your sleep routine, and stress are behavioral triggers that can start migraine headaches. Ask yourself a few questions to determine if your environment is triggering some of your migraine attacks:
- Do
you get headaches when you use certain household products or
perfumes? Strong odors are frequently a trigger for migraines.
It took me years to figure out why I got headaches when I did a
big cleaning job, perfume is almost nonexistent in my
life.
- Do
you get migraines when the weather changes?
- Do
you feel bright or blinking lights bother you?
- Are you under acute stress?
Next page Diagnosis, Treatment, Self-Help, Pregnancy Considerations page 1, 2, 3
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