Migraine headaches sufferers know the difference between a ‘headache’ and a ‘migraine’. Over 2 million people in Australia suffer from headaches. (1) Migraines headaches are worse than tension type headaches and the following classification can help you find out if you suffer from headaches. 1. Headache to include at least 2 of these symptoms pain on one side
moderate to severe pain
throbbing in nature
worsened by movement
2. Headache to include at least 1 of these symptoms vomiting
sensitivity to light
sensitivity to noise
nausea
3. Headache to last between 4 to 72 hours
Migraine sufferers are normally put to be with a severe case and often find that they need to get away from the lights and noise of daily life, ending up locking themselves in a dark room. Days are lost - a big disruption to their lives.
As if the migraine headache is not enough, they can also suffer with some of the following:
pins and needles, numbness on one side of the body
slurred speech
aura - visual disturbance that can include flashing lights, blind spots or lines in their visual field (a concentration issues
Many migraine sufferers know when a migraine is about to rear its ugly head. Some feel unwell or have visual disturbances called an ‘aura’. The reason why migraines occur is not clear. Researches regard it as neurolovasular basis - involving the nerves and blood vessels in the brain. One of the chemicals that is generally low in migraine sufferers is serotonin. The interesting thing is that the amino acid required to make serotonin is tryptophan is what many of the ‘trigger’ foods contain. Many ‘triggers’ are known that can set a migraine off, but each sufferer will have their individual trigger or set off triggers. It’s not just certain foods that are to blame, there are many more triggers. Many times it is a combination of a few factors that will set off a migraine.
Here are some other triggers:
Hormonal
Not surprising that women are 3 times more likely to suffer from migraines then men. menstruation
ovulation
hormonal replacement therapy (HRT)
menopause
pregnancy, however can improve migraine in the last 2 trimesters
contraceptive pill
Environmental
allergens
loud noises
cinema screens
bright lights, especially if flickering computers
weather changes strong odours
Emotional & Physical changes of sleep pattern stress and tension colds/flu and other illness neck and back pain
stiff neck and shoulder muscles
Food
chocolate
coffee
wine, beer, spirits aged cheese MSG
food preservatives, eg nitrates aspartame and other artificial sweeteners eggs
turkey
tofu
Low Minerals & Vitamins iron
B6 B12
omega 6
Vitamin D magnesium
Foods containing magnesium green leafy vegetables
nuts & seeds
seafood
legumes
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