How Do I Know Whether This Is Migraine?
This is probably the number one question that people ask when it comes to diagnosing a migraine. Firstly it’s important to remember that all migraines are headaches, however not all headaches are migraines. There are a vast number of factors that can cause headaches, for instance high blood pressure and poor eyesight are just two that come to mind straight away.
It can sometimes be safe to assume that everyone who complains about having migraines, is in many cases probably only suffering a common headache. The broad criteria of diagnosing what constitutes a migraine is, if two or more of the following symptoms appear during an attack, then you are more than likely to be suffering from a migraine:
1. Throbbing headache, usually on one side of the head
2. Visual disturbances (blind spots, distorted vision, zigzag patterns or flashing lights), these particular symptoms are referred to as aura.
3. Nausea and vomiting
4. An increased sensitivity to light and sound
Another important signal that suggests that the headache is probably a migraine is the incapacity to continue with daily routines and activities.
What Are Common Migraine Triggers?
The cause of migraine is generally believed to be from the release of chemicals from the body into the bloodstream called serotonin, this more than likely results in changes to the neurotransmitters and blood vessels in the brain. However it is still a mystery to many experts exactly what causes this to happen.
What is certain though is that many factors have been identified which are liable to trigger a migraine attack.
1. Emotional stress – anger, worry, shock, depression
2. Physical exertion – over exercise, travelling, irregular sleep patterns
3. Hormonal changes – menstruation, pre-menstrual period, puberty, menopause
4. Environmental conditions – bright lights, loud noises, intense smells, change of climate, smoking.
5. Diet – lack of food, skipping meals, eating foods such as citrus fruits, chocolate, aged cheeses and drinking alcohol (red wine and beer)
6. Other factors can include dental problems, eyestrain, sinus issues.
Migraine triggers can vary from one person to the next. Many sufferers will have their own individual trigger. Quite often most people can cope with one trigger, however when several of the triggers occur at the same time an attack is triggered. Knowing and identifying personal triggers can obviously help when trying to reduce the possibility of a migraine.
