June is Headache and Migraine Awareness Month and we would like to share with you some things that can cause migraines to occur. Although much about the exact causes of migraines is not understood, genetics and environmental factors play a roll. Migraines can be triggered by changes in the brainstem and its interactions with the trigeminal nerve, a major pain pathway. An imbalance in brain chemicals also may be involved.
Here are a few things that can trigger migraine headaches:
- Foods: Aged cheeses, salty foods and processed foods, also skipping meals and fasting.
- Hormone changes in women
- Drinks: Alcohol, especially wine and highly caffeinated beverages
- Stress
- Sensory stimuli: Bright lights and sun glare
- Unusual smells: perfume, secondhand smoke, paint thinner, etc.
- Changes in the environment: A change in weather or barometric pressure
- Sinus pressure and pain
Migraines can be caused by many different things, depending on the person. Migraines can be assisted with severe fatigue, yawning, neck pain, or sensitivity to light, noise or odors. The headache phase of a migraine can be extremely disabling for suffers, painful enough to cause work loss and absence from daily activities. If you are suffering from migraines, contact Neurology Specialists of Charleston today.