Cause of Migraines

For millions who experience tension headaches or migraine headaches, light is one of the most common factors for the onset of headaches.  Sufferers should be familiar with the light sensitivity which is related to their headaches.  Read further to examine the different kinds of light sensitivity and their relationship with headaches.

Glare -

Of light sensitivities, glare remains one of the more powerful types.  Glare is often found on glossy computer and television screens. 

Glare can occur in two forms: direct or contrast glare.  Direct glare is defined as simply too much light.  Contrast glare is the result of one area of vision being much brighter than another.

Flickering Lights -

Flickering lights are also a common headache trigger in regards to light sensitivity.  Slow flickering lights are in particular a headache trigger.

Flickering lights are found where light is reflected, such as snow, sand, water, or through clouds.  Fluorescent lighting which flickers on television and movie screens also has a similar effect.

Eyestrain -

Activities which cause eyestrain can commonly cause headaches.  Certain activities can lead to refractory errors in the eyes, which can result in eyestrain and headaches.

Performing certain activities for long periods of time can cause eyestrain, such as being in front of a computer or television screen, video games, or reading in improper lighting.  Poor posture, stress, and long periods of concentration can also cause headaches.

Tips -

Polaroid lenses in certain conditions outside can be helpful.  For computer or television glare, the use of anti-glare screens will help eliminate glare.  On computer screens, if you have a glossy screen try using a screen filter, which can help eliminate glare.

In indoor conditions, daylight spectrum florescent bulbs can be helpful.  The National Headache Foundation recommends these in order to help migraine patients with lighting conditions related to headaches.

For overexposure to certain conditions, or prolonged exposure to certain types of lighting, take frequent breaks.  It can help you to overcome long periods of time in certain conditions, which can commonly lead to headaches.  Additionally, have a complete eye check-up done.  Any refractory errors can be corrected by the use of glasses or contact lenses in order to prevent headaches.  You could also get tinted eyeglass lenses if you have no errors in order to help protect yourself against glare.

Chiropractic Health Care Provider -

Your chiropractic health care provider will be able to help you if you are experiencing headaches.  Tips and other useful information will be provided to you in regards to your situation and symptoms.  Your chiropractor will be able to try to diagnose the cause of your headaches in order to develop an effective treatment plan.

Your chiropractor will also be able to perform neck and back adjustments in order to keep you healthy.  The alignment of your spine is also crucial in the prevention of headaches, as improper posture can be a headache trigger.

Contact your chiropractor if you keep experiencing headaches.  Your chiropractor will work with you to diagnose and treat your headaches.

Technorati Tags: Back Pain Help Bolingbrook IL, Chiropractor In Bolingbrook IL, Decompression Help Bolingbrook IL, Headache Help Bolingbrook IL, Neck Pain Help Bolingbrook IL

About migraine

Migraine affects about 15 in every 100 people in the UK and is most common in adults aged between 20 and 50. However, migraines may start in childhood and persist into old age. About eight in 10 people who have migraines have a family history of them.

People who get migraines are completely symptom-free between attacks and have an average of around 13 migraines per year.

Types of migraine

The most common types of migraine are classic migraine (migraine with aura) and common migraine (migraine without aura). Other types of migraine include aura without headache and abdominal migraine.

Symptoms of migraine

You may be able to sense when a migraine attack is about to start. Irritability, lack of concentration, food cravings and tiredness can all alert you that you’re getting a migraine.

Classic migraine

Around one in 10 people have aura with their migraines. Aura symptoms usually last less than an hour and begin before the headache symptoms (which are the same as for common migraine).

Common aura symptoms include visual disturbances (such as flashing/flickering lights, zigzag lines and even temporary blindness), numbness, tingling sensations and slurred speech. Other aura symptoms include a stiff neck, weakness on one side, partial paralysis, confusion or fainting.

Common migraine

A common migraine causes a persistent and severe throbbing or pounding pain, usually on one side of your head (although there may be pressure on both sides). You may also become sensitive to light, sound and movement and you may feel sick, vomit and/or have diarrhoea. An attack usually lasts between four and 72 hours but you may feel tired for several days afterwards.

These symptoms may be caused by problems other than migraines. You should visit your GP for advice.

It’s particularly important that you see your GP if you have any of the following.

• A sudden change in the character of your migraine such as attacks coming more frequently, or treatment not working.
• Your first migraine occurs when you’re over 50.
• Aura symptoms between attacks or which occur on the same side of your body with every attack.
• A fever with the headache.

Complications of migraine

Occasionally, migraines can last for much longer than 72 hours and don’t respond to standard treatment. This type of migraine is known as status migrainosus, and you may need to go to hospital for pain relief and to treat dehydration caused by vomiting.

If you have migraines on more than 15 days per month, this is known as chronic migraine. People with chronic migraine often have to take increasing amounts of medication to control their migraines. In turn, this can lead to further headaches, known as medication-overuse headaches (also called rebound or withdrawal headaches).

Migraine has also been found to be associated with an increased risk of anxiety and panic disorder, depression and stroke (where the blood supply to part of the brain is blocked).

Causes of migraine

It’s thought that migraine symptoms occur when there is a sudden change in the level of a chemical in the brain (a neurotransmitter) called serotonin. This then affects other neurotransmitters and causes changes in the blood vessels in the brain. It’s not yet known exactly what causes the serotonin levels to change.

You may find that your migraines are caused by specific foods or drinks, by exposure to particular noises, smells or lights, or by other identifiable triggers. Steering clear of these triggers can help to prevent migraines from occurring.

Hormonal changes that occur during the menstrual cycle or as a result of taking oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, pregnancy and menopause can all affect the frequency and severity of migraines in some women.

Migraines are more common in people with depression, and depression is more common in people who have migraines. Researchers are investigating whether treating depression can help relieve migraines and vice versa.

To see this full article go to BUPA / Migraine

Technorati Tags: cause of migraine