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Migraines are no ordinary headaches as they can be so severe as to hinder a person from doing his regular activities. The exact cause of migraine is unknown, but the condition has a firm link to genetic influences. After all, the risk of migraine attacks isthree times greater for those who have people in their families suffering from migraines than otherwise.
But migraines are complex and scientists are still figuring out which genes are involved.
A systematic review of 13 papers has hinted thatserotonin levels in the brain may have a link to migraine. And that, migraine patients have varying levels of serotonin transmission. Scientists surmise that migraine patients have a low cerebral serotonin level between attacks and higher levels during attacks.
See also: What is Migraine and Why it is More than a Headache?
But so far, we have only established that certain factors trigger migraines. And so, if we are to present practical tips on how to deal with migraines, it would be a good idea to understand migraine triggers:
No comprehensive studies are showing how often a person realizes that something specific causes their migraine attacks, presuming that something actually does trigger migraines.
It's challenging to pinpoint specific triggers since there are around60 possible triggers.
Here is alist of factors that might trigger an episode:
There is no cure for migraines, but you can:
Your primary healthcare provider will advise you on medication to treat or prevent migraine.
As mentioned earlier, pinpointing what may be triggering your migraines is easier said than done. Keeping a journal is an obvious aid in this endeavor.
You can record when the headache started, what you were doing at the time and hours before it started, what you ate or drank, and so forth.
Several smartphone apps can help you to keep a migraine journal. Once you identify a trigger, you can take steps to avoid it, which may help reduce attacks.
Studies have shown that acupuncture is anexcellent treatment option for the relief of migraine pain. It is at least as effective as medications prescribed to prevent migraine attacks. In addition, the pain-relieving effects last longer.
Researchers recommend that acupuncture should be considered as a first-line treatment for migraine in combination with other treatment options.
Biofeedback and relaxation training are very effective in treating migraines, yielding a45% to 60% reduction in frequency and severity.
This treatment teaches patients to recognize biofeedback i.e. physical signs of stress through monitoring devices. And then, control certain involuntary body functions like heart rate or muscle tension by using relaxation techniques.
Stress is a common trigger for migraines but this method teaches individuals to recognize physical signs of stress early and relax before a migraine attack begins. And so, Biofeedback is an effective, non-evasive, and drug-free option to manage migraines.
Scientists have found that people with frequent migraines are deficient in several nutrients, including CoQ10, riboflavin, and magnesium. It seems that these deficiencies can contribute to migraines.
Feverfew is a medicinal plant with anti-inflammatory properties. It is used to treat a wide range of ailments including migraines.
Several scientific studies support that the daily intake of dried or fresh feverfew leaves or capsules can help reduce the frequency of migraine attacks among people who have chronic migraines.
Scientists have studied vitamin riboflavin extensively in search of something that can prevent and relieve migraine.
You can safely try vitamin B2 for your migraine headache. A meta-analysis of nine clinical trials found that a high dosage, 400 mg per day for three monthssignificantly reduced the number of days, duration, frequency, and pain intensity of migraine attacks.
CoQ10 is a vitamin-like compound that has many health benefits. Several studies have examined the effect of CoQ10 on migraine with positive results.
One study showed a daily dosage of400 mg of CoQ10 was well-tolerated and effective as an additional treatment for episodic migraine. The study also showed that CoQ10 supplementation positively impacted the study participants' quality of life.
Magnesium is a mineral that is vital for human health. We need it for healthy muscles, nerves, bones, and blood sugar levels. It is one of the most widely studied dietary nutrients.
Researchers have found that migraine sufferers may be deficient in magnesium. Research has also shown that magnesium levels drop during attacks. It may be possible to restore the magnesium balance in your body with supplements.
The American Migraine Foundation recommends a dosage of 400–600 mg of magnesium oxide per day to prevent migraine.
There is no cure for migraine and there are no medications that get rid of migraine, and doctors don't suggest the adoption of any specific lifestyle to cure migraines.
But you can make life easier for yourself and migraine attacks less likely by considering the following suggestions:
In addition to keeping a migraine journal to identify migraine triggers, make sure you follow a healthy diet, one that contains plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains, and whole dairy.
A good idea is to follow a diet plan which is broadly based on the Mediterranean diet.
The Mediterranean diet includes all the nutrients and roughage you need to stay healthy. So, even if there is no scientific proof that a healthy diet prevents migraine. Such a diet will at least ensure that nutrient deficiencies don't cause your migraines.
Related link: Dietician-backed Mediterranean meal plan
Too little or too much sleep is a common migraine trigger. Getting the right amount of sleep is the first step to managing migraines. Doctors suggest keeping to a strict routine, going to bed and getting up at the same time every day.
Struggling to fall sleep? Check out our guide to deal with Insomnia here!
Skipping meals is a modern lifestyle habit that is having an enormously negative impact on people's health – from unhealthy weight gain and sleep disturbances to increased risk for a long list of health issues.
Learn to prepare meals ahead of time so you can avoid doing without eating something. Don't go without food for too long – have some healthy snacks on hand instead.
Stress is an understandable risk factor for migraine. It's not possible to avoid all stress, but if you have too much stress in your life, make a plan to do something about it. The price is too high if you don't.
Also Read: What's Stress? What to Do About it?
If you can't face stress-releasing activities like yoga or mindfulness practices, find something that relaxes you and do that instead.
Alcohol has been identified as the number one factor linked to migraine, so it's best avoided. Both red and white wine can trigger migraines due to their sulfite and preservative content.
If you are a wine lover and can't imagine life without it, consider an organic white wine, which will give you enjoyment without the chemicals. Don't overdo it, though!
Intense light is a migraine trigger for many migraine sufferers. Sunglasses with polarized lenses that scatter light will decrease glare and allow you to enjoy the outdoors without dreading a migraine attack.
Frequent moderate exercise is relaxing and has been shown to reduce migraines. Avoid strenuous workouts, though. Don't exercise because you have to – find something you enjoy and stick to it.
Also Read: What is Migraine? Why is it More than Just a Headache?
No, it is unlikely that you will die of a migraine attack or chronic migraines. However, there is a higher risk of life-threatening conditions like stroke and heart attack.
If your migraines are preventing you from working, communicating, or concentrating, it can be considered a disability under the American Disabilities Act.
Researchers have not found a cure for migraine yet.
Migraines are like colds – these ailments have flummoxed the medical profession for decades. Nobody knows precisely what causes migraines, and there is no cure. Yet, it is a debilitating condition that affects millions of people every day.
However, if one grows mindful of his/her migraine triggers. Then such a person can significantly reduce migraine attacks. I hope this article helped you deal with your migraines.