| SolveYourProblem
Article Series: Headache Causes, Treatments & Relief
Help, My Headache Is Killing Me!
Migraine
Headache Causes & Triggers
The
discussion of the cause and treatment of migraines is not
a simple matter. Although it is generally understood that
the excessive dilation or the excessive contracting of blood
vessels can result in a migraine - the reason this occurs
is not clearly known.
One area that scientific research has focused on is the trigeminal
nerve system. This is a sensory nerve that has three major
branches that controls sensory input from the face and has
some control over certain motor functions such as chewing and
swallowing. Sometimes the body can experience a chemical imbalance.
One of these chemicals - serotonin - acts as a regulator for
pain input that travels through these nerve pathways.
Research indicates that when someone is experiencing a headache
the serotonin levels will drop. In response the body releases
neuropeptides. These cause blood vessels in the meninges -
which refers to the brain's outer covering - to become inflamed
and dilated. This results in further headache pain.
Though this helps to explain a possible scenario it may not
always be the definitive answer as to what may be causing an
individual's migraine. What seems to be a little more clearer
is that there is a number of known 'triggers' that can set
off a sequence of events that can lead to a migraine.
One important area in that regard is certain food
sensitivities or allergies. Someone suffering from frequent headaches may
be reacting to such foods as chocolate, wheat, MSG, sulfites
used as preservatives, nuts, dairy foods, alcohol or specifically
red wine. Add to this fermented or pickled food, and aged food
such as certain cheeses. Keep in mind that even the absence
of food can trigger a headache brought on by a low sugar imbalance.
And though it is not a 'food' per se it is good to monitor
anything that you may take in - such as medications - as some
could have the particular side effect of giving you a headache.
Another factor is hormonal
imbalances. Women often experience
bad headaches around the time of their periods which doctors
feel corresponds to a drop in estrogen. Headaches have also
been connected to hormone replacement therapy, the taking of
contraceptives and the menopausal phase which are all manifest
changes in a body's hormonal balance.
Stress can be one of the aspects, that although we may connect
to tension headaches, may also be a trigger for a migraine
in some individuals. And people who are perhaps more susceptible
to bad headaches may find that strong smells, light that is
too bright or sounds that jar can influence a reaction.
Physical
activity that can elevate the blood pressure could
play a role. As well, outside changes in altitude or barometric
pressure that comes from weather and seasonal aspects could
contribute.
There is no doubt that there are any number of triggers that
may exist and that these will undoubtedly be different for
each person. If you're searching for the answer on your own
or with the care of a professional there will be a wide range
of factors to look at. It will be vital to pay attention to
even the smallest detail as your daily routine and your environment
may hold the key to finding relief. #
# # # #
SolveYourProblem.com
: 2009
> Home > Headache
Relief
Articles : Main Page |