Migraine: Primary cause of Headache

What is migraine? Migraine is a recurrent throbbing headache that typically affects one side of the head and is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting, lightheadedness or scalp tenderness and disturbed vision such as photophobia.

There are 3 most common types of primary cause of headaches. These different types of headache typically cause different types of pain. Tension-Type headaches usually involve a dull, squeezing pain that builds slowly and may encompass the forehead, scalp, back of the neck, and both sides of the head. Cluster headaches are much less common than migraine it usually occurring on one side of the head as a stabbing sensation in the eye. And migraine is one of the primary cause or common types of headache.

When migraine attack, throbbing pain may occur on one side of the head and gradually spread, but it's not uncommon to have pain on both side of the head. Nausea with or without vomiting may occur.

In severe cases, there can be an accompanying loss of consciousness, dizziness, and weakness or numbness of the extremities. Oftentimes there is an aura or warning symptoms like flashes of light or lightheadedness prior to the onset of the headache.

Red wine, sweet foods like chocolates, certain cheeses, monosodium glutamate (msg), menstrual period, hunger, lack of sleep, bright lights, hormonal pills, perfume, emotional upsets, and worries trigger migraine. On the other hand, adequate sleep, pregnancy, excitement, and a happy mood can "switch off" migraine attacks.

The cause of migraines isn't fully understood. However, migraines often run in families, so it's generally though that genetic predisposition likely plays a big role. Women are three times more likely to have migraines than men.

Pain relief drugs for migraine are to be taken as soon as you experience signs or symptoms of a migraine. However, the overuse of pain relief drugs may interfere with migraine therapy. A good rule of thumb is to limit their use to no more than two days a week. 

In addition to medical treatments, you may find relief from massage, herbal remedies, and biofeedback. Biofeedback may be useful in helping you to understand how your body reacts during times of stress and then how to mentally "dial down" that stress. You may find biofeedback helps you to loosen tense muscles, slow your heart rate, or even raise the temperature of your fingers and toes. This can help give you control of processes in your body that normally occur outside of your control.

Some find benefit from herbal remedies, such as butterbur, which appears to be relatively safe if taken for a short period to help prevent migraines. In addition, the supplement coenzyme Q10 appears to reduce migraine frequency for some.

Certain vitamins and minerals may also have a place in migraine treatment. Taken over time, riboflavin-vitamin B2-may help prevent migraine. Studies suggest maintaining adequate magnesium levels may also prevent migraines. When considering these or other alternative migraine remedies, consult your doctor first abou the pros and cons, and to prevent possible drug interactions.