Cause of Migraines

Migraine sufferers have more to worry about than just incredibly painful headaches.  Recent studies indicate that people who experience migraine headaches are at a higher risk for stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease.

Understanding the Numbers -

Researchers have analyzed data on over 6,000 patients who experience migraines and over 5,000 who don’t and discovered that those with a history of migraine headaches had a 4.1 percent chance of having a heart attack as compared with a 1.9 percent chance without. 

Granted, a 4 percent chance of having a heart attack is still fairly small, but it does call into question the relationship between the two conditions.  Researchers suggest that damage to the blood vessel walls may be a factor in both migraine and heart disease.

For women the risks seem particularly brain-centered.  Brain infarcts (which lead to small areas of the brain dying and are more commonly seen in older women), while not necessarily dangerous, are more commonly observed at earlier ages in women with migraines. 

The more frequent the migraines, the greater the chances of seeing such brain effects.  In this study aura made a measurable difference, although why that is the case remains unknown.

While previously the medical community was aware of the connection between the diseases, it was believed that only those who suffered migraines with aura were affected.  New evaluation of the data indicates that all migraine patients have similar risks.

Just How Serious is the Risk? -

While the risk of developing secondary diseases is higher, it is still relatively low.  It is certainly worthwhile to try and reduce factors that might lead to diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and stroke, but that is true of all individuals, not just those with migraines.

Recommendations are identical to those offered the general population.  If you smoke, stop.  Eat healthy foods, whole grains, lean meats and plenty of fruits and vegetables.  Exercise regularly.

All in all, doctors don’t feel that the elevated numbers are worth worrying about.  Barring engaging in the preventative measures that are suggested for everyone who wishes to avoid heart disease, there isn’t much a migraine sufferer can do to reduce their risks at this time.  The correlation, while observed, isn’t actually understood.

One the positive side, there is an equally noticeable correlation between women with migraines and a decreased incidence of breast cancer.  

Basic Migraine Treatment and Prevention -

Even after so many years of research doctors know relatively little about the causes of migraine headaches.  Vascular changes are believed to be responsible for the onset of vascular migraines and tension is behind tension migraines.  Barring someone having migraines regularly, such as is the case with menstrual based migraines, the causal factors are poorly understood.

There are many medications that are used to reduce the symptoms of a migraine headache; most are available only with a prescription.  Learning how to reduce stress can be very helpful to those who suffer from chronic migraines, and nutrition and exercise seem to play a part in controlling headaches as well.

As each individual has a unique experience with migraines it is best to consult with one’s physician to assess all risk factors.  If heart health is one of the areas in which risk is found, your physician can help you to create a care plan that takes such factors into account.

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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.

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Frequent headaches are a serious issue for millions around the world, detracting significantly from quality of life.  The medical community has defined headaches in three distinct categories, with primary headaches accounting for the vast majority of headaches.  Cluster and secondary headaches are far rarer, but present patients with more severe issues.  Although never life threatening, primary headaches can nonetheless be very serious, damaging quality of life in many cases.  Frequent headaches, even milder primary headaches, can have a serious effect on enjoyment of daily life. 

Discover The Secret To Completely Eliminating Your Migraine Pain Forever In The Next 48 Hours & Never Spend Another Dime

What are some of the headache treatments?  That depends on the root cause of the headache.  Primary headaches are sometimes a result of physical or emotional stress in the patient, and can become frequent if the cirumstances responsible are a regular part of life.  The Stress Headache are brought about when the patient undergoes significant emotional or physical stress.  This kind of stress causes contraction in the muscles of the cranial area, resulting in pain from the pressure.  This can be difficult to prevent and treat.  Over the counter medications usually work well to alleviate some of the issue.

Prevention is more about circumventing the kind of situations that prompt serious physical and emotional stress.  This kind of stress results directly in contraction of the skull muscles, subsequently causing sometimes serious headaches.  Frequent headaches should be a signal that some life adjustments are needed.  If emotional stress is thought to be behind the frequent headaches, consider visiting a doctor about this stress, or making lifestyle alterations that reduce the stress.

Frequent headaches that strike at random can be a sign of a more serious secondary problem.  In these situations, a structural or chemical problem in the brain is to blame for the pain.  This can signify a serious issue, such as a tumor growing in the brain.  Although this is rarely the cause, frequent headaches are a sign that doctor visit is in order.

Over the counter medications usually do a great deal to relieve a primary headache.  Aleve and ibuprofen work very well to treat primary headaches.  In more serious cases, therapeutic steps such as biofeedback may be needed in order to overcome the pain associated with frequent headaches.  If none of these measures are effective, a specialist should be consulted.

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