Migraine Headache: Causes, Symptoms and Prevention

Migraine is a neurological syndrome characterized by altered bodily perceptions, severe headaches, and nausea. Physiologically, the migraine headache is a neurological condition more common to women than to men. The word migraine was borrowed from Old French migraigne (originally as "megrim", but respelled in 1777 on a contemporary French model). The French term derived from a vulgar pronunciation of the Late Latin word hemicrania, itself based on Greek hemikrania, from Greek roots for "half" and "skull".

What Makes a Headache a Migraine?

Almost everyone gets headaches. A migraine is different. Doctors define it as a recurrent headache that has additional symptoms. The pain is often throbbing and on one or both sides of the head. People with migraines often feel dizzy or sick to their stomachs. They may be sensitive to light, noise, or smells. Migraines can be disabling, and teens with migraines often need to skip school, sports, work, or other activities until they feel better.

What Causes a Migraine?

The main cause of migraine headache is the enlargement of temporal artery found just under the skin of the temples. It causes nerves to stretch around the temporal artery that in turn triggers the release of chemicals causing inflammation, pain and even more dilation of the artery.  Although, not all scientists agree about what causes migraines.

Some common migraine triggers are:

• Stress

• Menstruation

• Skipping meals

• Too much caffeine

Certain foods (alcohol, cheese, pizza, chocolate, ice cream, fatty or fried food, lunch meats, hot dogs, yogurt, aspartame, or anything with MSG, a seasoning often used in Asian foods)

• Sudden changes in sleep patterns

• Changes in hormone levels

• Smoking

• Weather changes

• Travel

• Heredity

• Birth Control Pills

• Imbalance in blood pressure

Symptoms of Migraine Headache

With the common migraine, headache begins without warning.  Symptoms, if any, may vary from person to person and may range in severity.

• Moderate to severe, throbbing headache- right side or left side of the head.

• Head pain that gets severe with increased physical activity.

• Sensitivity to light and/or sound.

• Nausea or vomiting.

• Red eyes with burning sensation in eyes

• Loss of appetite

• Migraine sufferer wants to stay all alone and finds comfort in silent and dark room

• Depression and irritability

• Numbness or weakness in an arm or leg

Preventing a Migraine

The best way to prevent migraines is to learn what triggers your migraines and then try to avoid these triggers. Take a break from activities that provoke a migraine, such as using the computer for a long time. If you know that certain foods trigger your migraines, try to avoid them. Some people find that cutting back on caffeine intake or drinking a lot of water can help prevent migraines.
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