Top 12 Common Causes of Migraines and How to Manage Them
This comprehensive guide highlights the top causes of migraines, including hormonal changes, dietary triggers, environmental factors, and lifestyle habits. Understanding these triggers can help individuals manage and prevent migraine attacks effectively. The article details migraine phases and offers tips for symptom reduction, emphasizing lifestyle adjustments and medical advice for persistent cases.
Migraines are intense headaches often characterized by pulsating pain on one side of the head, lasting from a few hours up to three days. They are believed to result from a mix of genetic predispositions and environmental factors. Fluctuating hormones, especially in women post-puberty, are major triggers. Common causes include certain foods, strong odors, flashing lights, and weather shifts. Symptoms often include nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and visual disturbances. Understanding and avoiding individual triggers can help reduce migraine frequency and severity.
Migraines occur in distinct phases: the prodrome, aura, pain, and postdrome. The prodrome can last from hours to days, presenting mood swings, fatigue, or irritability. The aura causes visual or sensory changes affecting daily activities and occurs in about 30-40% of sufferers. The pain phase is a severe, throbbing headache, often worsened by activity, accompanied by nausea and light sensitivity. Afterward, postdrome leaves individuals fatigued or with cognitive difficulties. Managing triggers like stress, sleep issues, diet, and environmental factors is essential for prevention. If migraines persist, medical consultation is recommended.
