Many migraines seem to be triggered by external factors. Possible triggers include:
Emotional stress. This is one of the most common triggers of migraine headache. Migraine sufferers are generally highly affected by stressful events. During stressful events, certain chemicals in the brain are released to combat the situation (known as the "flight or fight" response). The release of these chemicals can provoke vascular changes that can cause a migraine. Repressed emotions surrounding stress, such as anxiety, worry, excitement, and fatigue can increase muscle tension and dilated blood vessels can intensify the severity of the migraine. Had this only a few hours before my first major migraine in January...I was dropping Chris off at the airport for his flight back to Iraq and I was overcome with emotion. This also happened just before my migraine the other day - I had a crazy onset of severe depression (out of no where).
Migraines and Co-Existing Conditions
There are some medical conditions that are more commonly associated with migraines, including:
-Asthma
-Chronic fatigue syndrome
-Hypertension
-Raynaud's phenomenon (occurs when blood vessels narrow causing pain and discoloration usually in the fingers)
-Stroke Um, HI, this is scary...Mom had migraines AND had a stroke
-Sleep Disorders
Are Migraines Hereditary?
Yes, migraines have a tendency to run in families. Four out of 5 migraine sufferers have a family history of migraines. If one parent has a history of migraines, the child has a 50% chance of developing migraines, and if both parents have a history of migraines, the risk jumps to 75%. Mom...
What Are the Symptoms of Migraines?
The symptoms of migraine headaches can occur in various combinations and include:
A pounding or throbbing headache that often begins as a dull ache and develops into throbbing pain. The pain is usually aggravated by physical activity. The pain can shift from one side of the head to the other, or it can affect the front of the head or feel like it's affecting the whole head.
-Sensitivity to light, noise, and odors
-Nausea and vomiting, stomach upset, abdominal pain
-Loss of appetite Yup
-Sensations of being very warm or cold Yup
-Paleness
-Fatigue Yup
-Dizziness Yup
-Blurred vision Yup
-Diarrhea
-Fever (rare)
Symptoms that signal the onset of a migraine are used to describe two types of migraine.
-Migraine with aura (known as "classic" migraine)
-Migraine without aura (known as "common" migraine)
An "aura" is a physiological warning sign that a migraine is about to begin. Migraines with auras occur in about 20%-30% of migraine sufferers. An aura can occur one hour before the attack of pain and last from 15 to 60 minutes. The symptoms always last less than one hour. Visual auras include:
-Bright flashing dots or lights
-Blind spots
-Distorted vision
-Temporary vision loss
-Wavy or jagged lines
...ALL OF THESE!!!!!!!!!!
Migraines without auras are more common, occurring in 80%-85% of migraine sufferers. Several hours before the onset of the headache, the person can experience vague symptoms, including:
-Anxiety
-Depression OH YEAH
-Fatigue or tiredness
Preventive (prophylactic) medications
When the headaches are severe, occur more than two or three times a month and are significantly interfering with normal activities, your doctor may prescribe preventive medication. Preventive medications reduce the frequency and severity of the headaches and are generally taken on a regular, daily basis. Might be a good idea to look into this...
Biofeedback
Biofeedback helps people learn to recognize stressful situations that trigger migraines. If the migraine begins slowly, many people can use biofeedback to stop the attack before it becomes full blown. Man if this WORKED!
Information provided thanks to http://women.webmd.com/guide/migraines-headaches-migraines
