Understanding Migraine Triggers and How to Avoid Them
Migraines are similar to headaches only much stronger and much more intense. A migraine is actually a long term condition of the brain, one that is characterized primarily by recurring pain that comes in the form of severe, disabling headaches. Migraines can last anywhere from 4 to 82 hours if not treated properly, and the sufferer then must simply deal with the pain until it recedes.
Some migraine sufferers will experience noticeable signs or symptoms during the few days immediately preceding an attack, and this may include anything from excessive thirst and drowsiness to irritability and depression.
Migraine Triggers
In order to treat the attacks and to prevent future migraines, it is important for migraine sufferers to try and determine what their migraine triggers are. Migraine triggers are the factors in life that are causing them to have these attacks, so by discovering these triggers the person can then avoid them as best as possible in order to avoid having attacks.
Migraine triggers will vary from person to person so it is important that you take the time to identify the foods, habits and environmental triggers in your own life that are causing your attacks, rather than just assuming you know what they are. Although the triggers are almost always different from one case to another, there are several triggers in particular which have been identified as being able to lead to migraine attacks in many migraine sufferers.
Light is one of the most commonly reported triggers of migraines. Bright sunlight or even just strong or glaring light can contribute to migraines, so it is best for migraine sufferers to avoid direct sunlight and other light for extended periods of time. Menstrual cycles are also to blame for the onset of migraine attacks, and in many women, migraines begin immediately before or during their period.
Different foods often prove to be migraine triggers, and the most common foods include processed meats, red wine, chocolate, and MSG.
Of course determining what your triggers are and then avoiding them is the best method of treatment and prevention for your migraines, but this is not always possible. When your migraines become too much there are other options, including taking migraine medication.
These medications, also known as abortive medications, when used at the first sign of a migraine are usually able to stop the process that causes the headache pain, therefore saving you from the pain and ordeal of another migraine attack. You will have to speak to your doctor about this and to get a prescription for the proper medication.
