Causes and triggers - What causes migraines and some of the triggers which we should avoid?

It is said that migraines have a wide range of causes and it is among the most misunderstood diseases. Over the years a lot of research has been done into identifying the exact causes of migraines, but there isn't a clear cause of migraines.

There are many theories out there which include:

• Inherited genetic qualities called Familial Hemiplegic Migraine
• Certain smells
• Atmospheric pressure changes
• Inflamed arterial nerves.

Most sufferers will identify some of the events or actions leading up to the migraine. These are called triggers. Triggers can set in motion a migraine, and sufferers tend to avoid them in order to avoid the onset of a migraine. Sometimes it is possible to not have a migraine even though one comes across a trigger. It is not very well understood why this may occur.

It is widely accepted that avoiding these triggers may help us to avoid a migraine. The list of triggers is as follows:

• Citrus fruit
• Certain smells (Pinefresh, citrus, etc)
• Foods containing MSG (Monosodium Glutamate, also called Chinese salt and found in much of the chinese cuisine)
• Fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi etc
• Pickled foods
• Cheese
• Alcohol (Red wine, beer)
• Chocolate
• Foods containing nitrites such as deli meats.
• Tobacco
• Change in sleeping patterns (Getting too little sleep or too much sleep)
• Change in atmospheric pressure and weather patterns
• Hunger
• Tiredness
• Vigorous exercises
• Caffeine
• Flickering lights
• Aspartame containing products such as artificial sweeteners
• Hormonal changes during pregnancy and menstruation

These are just some of the common triggers which people tend to avoid, but there may be more. During everyday life a migraine sufferer learns to identify their triggers and make lifestyle changes to avoid having a migraine.

Disclaimer: This information is provided as is and is not designed to replace the professional diagnosis and advice of a physician. Always consult your health care provider about your condition. Migraines 101 does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and by reading this blog you accepted that Migraines 101 is not responsible for any misuse or interpretation of the information contained herein.

Phases - Understanding the different phases of migraine

A migraine is a complex event considering that there are many phases that make up the actual migraine. Helping people to understand these phases makes the episode less traumatic.


What are the different phases of a migraine episode?

Phases of a migraine
Copyright www.headachecare.com

Phase 1: Prodome


This is the first phase of the migraine which usually consists of the subtle symptoms or signs of an episode. The symptoms may says a few hours or days before the migraine, so it might be difficult to immediately identify any signs leading up to the migraine. Most migraine sufferers will experience some of the prodrome symptoms before a migraine. Some of these symptoms as mentioned in the previous post are:

• Irritability and mood swings. Can include periods of euphoria and sudden drops in mood towards depression.
• Fatigue and constant yawning.
• Strange Food cravings.
• Constipation.

Phase 2: Aura


The aura can be classified as a group of visual disturbances ranging from slightly blurred vision to multicolored shimmering patterns and even visual snow.


This phase is the only phase where a suffered can consistently identify that they are having a migraine episode because of the severity of the visual disturbances. There are those that do not experience an aura at all before a migraine, but they account for a small percentage of sufferers. They however still experience the Prodrome phase. The aura may also be accompanied by tingling sensations on the arms, legs, face of the sufferer and in some cases the sensation of numbness.


Phase 3: Headache


During this time the person will experience a tremendous, throbbing headache, usually located behind the eye, or on one side of the head. Once the headache has started there is not much a suffered can do besides finding themselves a cool, quiet, dark room and basically sleeping off the headache.


It is by far one of the most severe forms of headaches that a person can experience as many pain killers have little affect on the severity of the headache. There are different forms of medications such as triptans, homeopathic herbs for treating a migraine early on during the episode.


Most people tend not to seek medical assistance because they can feel that there is little that doctors can do once the migraine is occurring. It is a myth which people need to break only and this can only happen through the correct literature and educational material out there.


For many the aura is a frightening and disruptive event.


Phase 4: Post drome


It can take many hours and sometimes even days for a headache and symptoms to subside. It depends on the physiology of the person. 


After the headache has subsided, the final phase of the migraine takes over. This is referred to as the Post drome phase.
Some of the other symptoms which can be carried over from the pro dromal phase are:

• Extreme fatigure
• Depression
• Euphoria
• Lethargy
• Lack of concentration

Disclaimer: This information is provided as is and is not designed to replace the professional diagnosis and advice of a physician. Always consult your health care provider about your condition. Migraines 101 does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and by reading this blog you accepted that Migraines 101 is not responsible for any misuse or interpretation of the information contained herein.

Symptoms - Signs of an impending migraine

In the previous post we mentioned some of the symptoms associated with a migraine. These symptoms tend to different from person to person but there are common symptoms which exist. 


What are common symptoms of a migraine?

• Photophobia (Sensitivity to light)
• Phonophobia (Sensitivity to sounds)
• Increased sense of smell
• Vertigo/ Dizzyness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Cravings
• Irritability
• Fatigue
• Yawning
• Lethargy
• Lack of concentration
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Cold shivers
• Clammy cold hands and feet
• Aura (visual disturbances; shimmering lights, zig-zags, blurred vision)
• Severe head pain

Aura before the headache

Copyright www.tammybruce.com

Keeping a diary of the symptoms leading up to a migraine helps the sufferer to identify the signs of a migraine earlier on during the course of the episode. This not only helps the person to seek medical help but also helps the sufferer to become more aware of the signs. Being proactive in this regards can alleviate stress, panic and loss of productivity by allowing people to plan around their migraine episodes.

The diary can be as simple as noting down the frequency, symptoms, changes in sleeping patterns, foods eaten, stress levels, etc; during the migraine episode. An advantage of noting down detailed information is that one is able to make appropriate lifestyle changes to minimize the frequency and severity of migraine episodes.

Disclaimer: This information is provided as is and is not designed to replace the professional diagnosis and advice of a physician. Always consult your health care provider about your condition. Migraines 101 does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and by reading this blog you accepted that Migraines 101 is not responsible for any misuse or interpretation of the information contained herein.

Basics - What is a Migraine?

For many of us, Migraines pose a debilitating condition of pain which affects our daily lives, our productivity at work and even our social lives. Much research has been done on this subject and many theories have been formulated as to the origins, triggers and treatments for Migraines.


This blog aims to educate us all and to provide a central location for any information related to Migraines.


What is a Migraine?


A migraine is a painful headache which is usually characterized by a throbbing pain focused on one side of the head.  The pain is preceded by many symptoms or signs of an impending migraine. 


These signs include increased sensitivity to sounds, increased sensitivity to light, strange smells, nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances (aura) such as shimmering lights, zig-zag patterns in visual area, tingly feelings in arms and legs, slurred speech, constipation, diarrhea and an inability to perform certain motor functions.


The general theory about migraines is that they are vascular in nature which means that they affect the blood vessels around the head and neck regions. Generally what happens is that those blood vessels enlarge and stretches the nerves that surround them thereby releasing chemicals which cause inflammation and pain.

Some sufferers of migraines exhibit many of the symptoms before the impending headache while others suffer only a few of the symptoms. Many migraine sufferers also only suffer from the symptoms and not the headache.


While most of us find comfort in a dark, quiet room, with a cold cloth on our heads; there are many alternatives to ease the discomfort of a migraine. These may be both pharmaceutical or homeopathic in nature. There are obvious pros and cons which we will discuss at a later stage.




Disclaimer: This information is provided as is and is not designed to replace the professional diagnosis and advice of a physician. Always consult your health care provider about your condition. Migraines 101 does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.