What is a Chronic Migraine?
A migraine headache is described as a painful headache often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. There are many conditions that can contribute to a migraine. When the symptoms of a migraine are noticed, the causes may not be boldly apparent. With some investigation, a migraine sufferer may be able to determine the causes of their individual headaches and incorporate the proper treatment to free them from the constraints brought on by a migraine.
Many conditions may be responsible for the triggering of a headache. The lack of proper sleep can cause the restriction of the vessels in the head. Lack of sleep paired with external stress is the cause of many others. The exposure to bright lights or weather can be a factor. Some suffer migraines after eating certain foods that contain additives and preservatives. When women are experiencing their menstrual period, their hormonal fluctuation may also cause an attack. There are 28 million Americans who suffer from migraine headaches with more women suffering than men.
The symptoms of a migraine headache are not always easy to distinguish. Usually if one experiences head aches more than 3 times a week and they keep getting worse without relief it is a sign of severity. Other indications may be the amount of medication being taken to control the pain. If the sufferer is using over-the-counter medication for headaches and need more than 2 or 3 doses, this is a cause for concern. Headaches that are caused by exertion, coughing, bending, or strenuous activity are all symptoms of migraines. When headaches last from 4 hours to several days these symptoms demand that causes of the headaches be discovered.
The causes of migraine headaches are not linked to a single cause. When the spot in the brain's pain center sends out messages to the hyperactive nerve cells, these cells send out impulses to the blood vessels causing them to constrict and then expand producing a pounding effect in the head. This may be caused by the weather or after eating certain foods that contain specific chemicals and preservatives. Other causes involve personal stress caused by external factors including emotional stress. Bright lights, aged cheese, alcoholic beverages, caffeine and skipping meals are also believed to be the source of some head aches. Once the cause of the headache is found, the treatment can begin.
Various methods have been incorporated in the treatment of migraines. To relieve stress a person may take up a relaxation therapy such as Yoga to reduce tension. The avoidance of certain foods for some people may be the answer. Others may find that they can cope by taking certain anti-depressant drugs and other medications. For those who desire a more holistic approach may choose to undergo an acupuncture treatment for relief. In extreme cases, the sufferer may choose to undergo a bio feedback procedure to track the stress level of the participant. This method teaches the afflicted person to learn how to reduce their stress levels.
