Any individual who has undergone migraine attacks will know that they can be very painful and unbearable at times. The excruciating pain that is caused by a migraine can last for days together. According to reports, about 12 percent of the country’s population is affected by this incurable disease.

Causes and triggers of a migraine

Fortunately, some people affected by migraines are able to detect the factors and triggers that cause this headache. These triggers may include light, sound, allergies, and mental stress. Some of the other factors that can also trigger migraine attacks include the following:

• Hormonal alterations in women

  Estrogen fluctuations can cause a migraine in many women. Women with a history of migraines often suffer from headaches right after their periods, when there is a substantial drop in estrogen levels. Hormone medicines including hormone replacement therapies and contraceptives can also worsen it.

• Food and drinks

  Processed and salted foods including cheese can trigger migraines. Also, the preservative monosodium glutamate and sweetener aspartame found in many foods can cause migraines. Some drinks, particularly alcohol and wine, along with highly caffeinated beverages may also lead to this issue.

• Sensory stimulations

  Sun glare, bright lights, and loud noises can make migraines worse. Also, strong smells like that of a paint thinner, passive smoke, and perfume can cause a migraine in some people.

• Changes in sleep patterns

  Those who have migraines find it difficult to sleep at nights, which in turn, make migraines worse. On the other hand, getting too much sleep can also be harmful.

• Risk factors related to migraines

  Several factors such as having a family history of migraines and hormonal changes are likely to cause migraines. Also, women are three times more susceptible to suffer from migraines than men, though headaches affect more boys than girls during childhood. A migraine reaches its pinnacle when people are in their 30s. Hormonal changes, particularly after menstruation, make migraines worse.

At times, your attempt at managing symptoms of a migraine can make it worse and cause complications. Some of them include:

• Abdominal issues

  Some pain relievers, particularly non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can lead to abdominal issues, peptic ulcers, and other complications particularly when they are taken in large doses for an extensive period of time.

• Headaches caused by medications

  Taking over-the-counter (OTC) medicines or even prescription medicines for over 10 days at a stretch can trigger symptoms of a migraine.

• Serotonin syndrome

  This is a life-threatening condition. This happens when the nervous system is overloaded with a chemical substance known as serotonin. Though this risk factor is extremely low, taking medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can surge the risk of raising the serotonin levels. Therefore, it is important to watch out for the possible symptoms of a migraine and reduce the medicine intake as required.

OTC medications help in reducing the effects of a migraine. However, it is important to reduce the triggers in order to prevent future attacks.

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