Migraines
Ever had a migraine? Ever wondered what a migraine was? Well hi, I’ve been suffering from migraines for quite some time now. This article is to inform you about migraines.
A migraine is a neurological syndrome that is characterized by some altered bodily perceptions, severe headaches, and nausea. A typical migraine headache affects one half of the head, pulsating and lasting anywhere from four hours to seventy-two hours. The symptoms include; nausea, vomiting, photophobia (an increased sensitivity to light), and phonophobia (an increased sensitivity to sound). This is all very accurate information, I can assure you simply because of how long I have suffered from migraines. I didn’t even know I had migraines until I was diagnosed in the navy.
Migraines can be triggered by any factor that, from exposure or withdrawal, leads to the development of an acute migraine headache. Triggers can simply be categorized as behavioral, environmental, infectious, dietary, chemical, or hormonal. In medical literature, those factors above are known as ‘precipitants.’ Throughout my experience with migraines and being diagnosed I know all to well the symptoms and the triggers of migraines. I searched the web for a complete list of triggers and found one on Wikipedia.org. The MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia offers a list of triggers, of which I found while researching migraines on Wikipedia. I read through the list and with my knowledge and experience I would have to say that all the information on this list is accurate.
Migraine attacks may be triggered by:
Allergic reactions
Bright lights, loud noises, and certain odors or perfumes
Physical or emotional stress
Changes in sleep patterns
Smoking or exposure to smoke
Skipping meals
Alcohol
Menstrual cycle fluctuations, birth control pills, hormone fluctuations during the menopause transition
Tension headaches
Foods containing tyramine (red wine, aged cheese, smoked fish, chicken livers, figs, and some beans), monosodium glutamate (MSG) or nitrates (like bacon, hot dogs, and salami)
Other foods such as chocolate, nuts, peanut butter, avocado, banana, citrus, onions, dairy products, and fermented or pickled foods.
But sometimes migraines will occur with no causes what so ever. I’ve been hit by sudden onset migraines before and trust me it’s not pleasant. But as you can see all the triggers maybe now you can find your own ways to avoid migraines. Is your diet plaguing you with migraines? Or how about those sleepless nights? Maybe the trips to the bar have got your head hurting bad? Maybe its just that time of the month and your head is hurting also? So what changes will you make to avoid migraines? Me personally I use Tylenol extra strength, the rapid release jells, and sometimes it does work.
Written by MusicMan
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