Hello Dear. Some of the factors that trigger migraine headaches are
1. Allergies and allergic reactions
2. Bright lights, loud noises, flickering lights, smoky rooms, temperature changes, strong smells and certain odors or perfumes
3. Physical or emotional stress, tension, anxiety, depression, excitement
4. Physical triggers such as tiredness, jet lag, exercise
5. Changes in sleep patterns or irregular sleep
6. Smoking or exposure to smoke
7. Skipping meals or fasting causing low blood sugar
8. Dehydration
9. Alcohol
10. Hormonal triggers such as menstrual cycle fluctuations, birth control pills, menopause
11. Tension headaches
12. Foods containing tyramine (red wine, aged cheese, smoked fish, chicken livers, figs, and some beans),
monosodium glutamate (MSG), or nitrates (like bacon, hot dogs and salami)
13. Other foods such as chocolate, nuts, peanut butter, avocado, banana, citrus, onions, dairy products and fermented or pickled foods
14. Medication such as sleeping tablets, the
contraceptive pill,
hormone replacement therapy.
Treatments for migraines
Some lifestyle alterations might help reduce migraine frequency. These include:
1. Getting enough sleep
2. Reducing stress
3. Drinking plenty of water
4. Avoiding certain foods
5. Regular physical exercise.
Migraine treatment (abortive therapies) and prevention (prophylactic therapies) focus on avoiding triggers, controlling symptoms and taking medicines.
Migraine is mainly treated by giving
Paracetamol tablets. If the pain doesnot subside other medications may be tried.
Other prescription medications used to relieve the pain of migraine include the triptans, for example,
1. sumatriptan (Imitrex, Alsuma, Imitrex STATdose System, Sumavel DosePro, Zecuity, Treximet)
2. rizatriptan (Maxalt, Maxalt-MLT)
3. eletriptan (Relpax)
4.
zolmitriptan (Zomig, Zomig-ZMT)
5.
naratriptan Amerge)
6. almotriptan (Axert), and
7.
frovatriptan (Frova).
Preventive measures
• Go to bed and wake up on the same time.
• Exercise: regular exercising improves the quality of sleep and reduces frequency and severity
of migraine headaches.
• Avoiding prolonged fasting and not skipping meals.
• Limit caffeine intake to two cups/day.
• Avoid bright light, can wear sunglasses to avoid the trigger of sunlight.
• Identify what food causes migraine and avoid it.
• stress-management training.
with regards- Dr Sanjay Kini