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What happens during a migraine?

  • 08-04-2009 9:35pm
    #1
    lisajane
    Closed Accounts Posts: 585 ✭✭✭


    What causes migraines? I know there are certain triggers that can bring on a migraine. Mine are MSG, some sweetners found in soft drinks and chewing gum, certain smells, lack of sleep. But they came out of nowhere 4 years ago. I don't get them half as much as i used to as i just avoid whatever triggers them. Can they be prevented?


Comments

  • #2
    DrIndy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,461 ✭✭✭DrIndy


    The reason why migraines occur is not fully understood.

    It is more common in women and associated sometimes with menstruation - people often find they have individual triggers. They can sometimes be associated with aura (vision changes) but sometimes not.

    The blood vessels in the brain contract at the start and then dilate which is why the headaches are pulsating.

    The best treatment is avoiding triggers - but you should always keep in touch with your doctor because there are other treatments out there too.


  • #3
    Ann22
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,005 ✭✭✭Ann22


    I've suffered with classical migraine (headache with an aura-mine are visual disturbances and numbness on one side) since I was about 13. After years of avoiding suspected triggers I've found low blood sugar is the number one cause. I read it in a book a migraine specialist wrote and I couldn't believe how easy it was to reduce the amount of headaches I was getting from one every month or two.. to one a year at most. I used to find when I slept late I'd get one, assumed too much sleep was a cause but if I wake early, have a snack, then go back to sleep I'm fine. Aerobic exercise always used to trigger them, but if I don't exercise on an empty stomach I'm grand. I suspected chocolate for a long time but it only affects me if I have it when I'm hungry...it leads to a big surge of insulin then a dramatic drop in blood sugar. I'm more prone to them in the last two weeks of my cycle, probably the effects of hormones, I crave sweet stuff more at those times....intense times of stress too, together with going hungry too long is asking for trouble.
    <snip - please don't recommend remedies>


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