Causes of Migraines – What You Need to Know
If you suffer from migraine headaches then you know just how painful it can be. You also know how migraines can take over your life and stop you from living when they strike. To get relief, you need to figure out what causes your headaches and then you need to avoid that trigger. To help you figure out what might be causing your own headaches, here’s a look at some of the most common causes of migraines.
Hormonal Changes
While the exact relationship isn’t known, a change in estrogen levels seems to trigger migraines in some women.
Food
Some of the most common food triggers are beer, red wine, chocolate, caffeine, and processed foods such as those that contain MSG (monosodium glutamate) and nitrates (hotdogs and certain lunchmeats). Aspartame, used to sweeten beverages, as well as skipping a meal, have been linked to migraines.
Stress
Extended periods of extreme stress can also be the cause of migraine headaches.
Sensory Stimuli
Another one of the many causes of migraine headaches is sensory stimuli. Loud noises, strong scents, and flashing lights have been known to trigger such headaches.
Changes in Sleep Patterns
Going from sleeping at night to sleeping during the day or vice versa can trigger a migraine headache. Too much or even too little sleep can also trigger migraines.
Physical Exertion
Sudden periods of exercise can cause migraines in people.
Medication
Almost any medication can cause migraine headaches – whether starting or stopping. It all depends on the medication and how your body reacts to that medication.
Caffeine
Too much, or sudden withdrawal from, caffeine, can trigger a migraine.
Weather
Changes in weather conditions such as quick temperature or barometric pressure changes can bring on a migraine.
The list of migraines causes will probably grow as the medical community continues to gain a better understand of the causes of migraines. For the time being, some of the most common causes of migraine headaches are food, stress, hormonal changes, sensory stimuli, physical exertion, a change in sleep patterns, caffeine, weather changes, and medication. If you are a migraine sufferer, then you need to first look at these common causes as the possible causes of your own migraines. By determining the cause, you can then avoid future migraine headaches.
