Knowing the Triggers is Key to Preventing Migraines!

by Hayley Jones
(London, UK)

A migraine is probably one of the most crippling and painful headaches known to humankind. The exact cause of this type of headache is still under research which makes it difficult to find a solution to prevent migraines. However, you can take measures to prevent migraines by knowing what triggers their onset and what to do if you experience one.

What Happens Before and During a Migraine?

The onset of a migraine can occur up to two days before the full-blown attack. In the pre-migraine stage (called the Prodrome phase) a person may suffer from several maladies to include diarrhea, constipation, depression, irritability, dizziness, and fatigue. A person may also have unusual cravings for a certain type of food.

Many migraine sufferers report seeing flashes of light or have blurred vision prior to a full-blown attack. This is known as the aura phase and it can be accompanied by numbness and can affect a person’s hearing. The mere onset of these symptoms can cause stress in the migraine sufferer which only serves to worsen the attack.

Know Your Triggers to Prevent Migraines

Studies have be done that list several possible triggers to the onset of a migraine.
These can be such things as lack of sleep, skipping meals, changes in the weather, and hormonal changes in women. Everyone reacts differently to certain triggers so the best way to determine which ones precede a migraine for you is to keep a journal.

The next time you have a migraine, write down everything that preceded it. Maybe you had difficulty sleeping for the previous two nights or maybe you have not been eating regularly. Once you have an idea of what your individual triggers could be it is easy to try and avoid them.

Watch What You Consume

One possible cause of migraines is low blood sugar which typically occurs if you skip meals. Another cause of low blood sugar is eating foods that are high in refined carbohydrates (white sugar) because this causes insulin spikes which also result in a drop of blood sugar levels.

Vitamin B is thought to be effective in preventing the onset of a migraine. You can get this vitamin either through supplements or by eating high fiber foods like dark green vegetables such as spinach and broccoli. Eggs and low-fat dairy products are also good sources of vitamin B.

If You Suspect the Approaching Migraine

When you suspect that you are about to have a migraine headache, it is important to take action so as to manage the episode. The first thing you should do is find a dark and quiet place to lie down. This is because many migraine sufferers are affected by light, noises, and even smells. It is also recommended that you put an ice pack on your temporal lobes as the coldness might relieve the pain. The important thing is to keep calm because the anxiety can only worsen the impact of the migraine.

Medications that Can Help with Migraines

Medications are available that can be used to either prevent migraines or treat them if they occur. For prevention, doctors might recommend drugs used in the treatment of coronary artery disease or high blood pressure. These drugs are known as beta blockers and have shown effectiveness in keeping migraines from occurring. Other drugs used to prevent migraines include anti-seizure medications, anti-depressants, Botox, and Cyproheptadine.

During a migraine attack, medicines such as Triptans, anti-nausea, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, Ergo, and Dexamethasone have been shown effective in relieving the pain. Your doctor can give you advice on the medication that is right for you in order to prevent migraines or manage them. Take steps to prevent migraines or manage them today and get control of your life.