Know the causes and symptoms of migraines
A migraine is one of the most common problems related to a headache which the people face globally. It happens on only one side of the head and the pain is generally severe in nature. It can stay for hours and days, and in the worst of cases can last even longer. Other abnormalities which can happen with migraines are nausea, vomiting and severe sensitivity to sound and lights.
There are a number of causes why a migraine happens. They are given below:
- Brain chemical imbalances: Serotonin imbalances cause migraine pain in major cases. It is the hormone that regulates pain in the body. The level of serotonin in the body experiences a heavy drop during the migraine attack. Due to this, the trigeminal nerve releases the neuropeptides. When the neuropeptides travel through the meninges, it gives a sensation of pain.
- Hormonal fluctuations in women: Hormonal changes are the major cause of why a woman can experience a migraine. The abnormal fluctuation of the estrogen triggers a migraine in a majority of women. During the menstrual cycle, the drop of estrogen in women can also trigger migraine pains.
- Drinks: Consumption of alcoholic drinks like wine causes migraine pains in many people.
- Stress: Stress can also be a vital reason why a migraine can happen. Majority of people who experience more stress are prone towards a migraine attack.
- Physical exertions: Immense physical work often leads you to tiredness; this can be the main reason for the outbreak of the migraine attack. In some people, sexual activity leads to migraine pain too.
- Food triggers: There are many food items that trigger the migraine pains. You must avoid taking salty foods and aged cheese as they increase the risk of a migraine. attack Fasting can also lead to the outbreak of a migraine.
- Stimuli and reflex: Patients who already have chances of a migraine must not expose themselves to sudden changes from the bright sunlight to dim rooms or harsh lights. This can lead to severe migraines and be very painful.
Symptoms of a migraine
The symptoms of a migraine are diversified. There are different levels of symptoms which you might experience.
The early symptoms of a migraine are mood swings, depression, cravings for food. Increase in thirst is also a reason why you can have a migraine. In the advanced stage, the symptoms can worsen. You might experience vision problems, pains in the limbs, speaking difficulties, hearing abnormalities etc. in the case of an advance migraine.
A migraine can last for nearly 3 days if no medication is administered to the patient. During this period you experience severe pain in the head, blurry vision, and pulsing in the head. A patient might also faint due to an immense headache from it.
The period of the aftermath of a migraine attack generally leads the patient to experience dizziness, confusion, and numbness. Severe sensitivity to loud sounds and light can also prevail.
You must consult a doctor as soon as you feel the slightest symptom for migraine. The doctors can check you thoroughly thus by giving you suitable medications to avoid an acute condition of the disease.