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To learn about identifying migraines and migraine headache treatment, keep reading.
An Introduction to the Causes of Migraines
Migraines affect approximately one in six people across the country and are defined essentially as a headache that prevents you from carrying on your day-to-day life. In general, women are more susceptible to migraines. It's also believed that migraines are genetic and may run in the family.
While the exact cause of migraines is unknown, it's believed to start when serotonin is released into the bloodstream. But, what triggers that serotonin release? Some experts chalk it up to stress, others to poor diet and still others to everything from environmental stimulants to hormones.
Diagnosing a Migraine
The most obvious symptom of a migraine is the throbbing and almost unbearable pain behind your eyes. Most migraine sufferers complain that they're extra sensitive to light, smell and various sounds - often wishing they could escape to a dark and quiet room. Some migraine suffers complain of nausea and vomiting as well.
Treating Migraines
Most migraines are treated on an as-needed basis, meaning once the pain occurs then a treatment is sought. Typically, migraine sufferers reach for an acetaminophen or strong pain killer.
Unfortunately, using drugs to address the pain of a migraine is not an effective treatment method. Instead, people suffering from them should focus on preventive care.
The most common preventive method is to eliminate foods that may trigger migraines like caffeine (in any form), alcohol, nitrites, coffee and cheeses. In addition to eliminating these foods, you should also focus on increasing your magnesium aspartate and Vitamin B levels.
After diet improvement, migraine sufferers should focus on stress reduction. Whether they practice meditative breathing or start taking yoga classes, these can all help to reduce stress levels and therefore reduce the instances of the headache attacks.
Butterbur Root
When taken twice a day over a period of time, Butterbur root has been proven to be effective in preventing migraines. However, because certain kinds of butterbur root can be toxic to the kidneys and liver, you should look for a variety that's approved for long-term use. Common side effects of butterbur include itchy or dry eyes, diarrhea and nausea.
Feverfew
Feverfew is traditionally used to heal colds, coughs, fever and dyspepsia. However, the active constituents in feverfew are anti-inflammatory and they also promote melatonin, which helps the body rejuvenate.
Because of this, feverfew can help reduce the instance of migraines and is an effective migraine headache treatment. Though rare, feverfew can cause mouth ulcers and indigestion.
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