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Causes And Trigger Points of Migraine
Headaches...
The
discussion of the cause and treatment of migraines is not a
simple matter. Although it is generally understood that the
excessive dilation or the excessive contracting of blood
vessels can result in a migraine - the reason this occurs is
not clearly known.
One area that scientific research has focused on is the
trigeminal nerve system. This is a sensory nerve that has
three major branches that controls sensory input from the
face and has some control over certain motor functions such
as chewing and swallowing. Sometimes the body can experience
a chemical imbalance. One of these chemicals - serotonin -
acts as a regulator for pain input that travels through
these nerve pathways.
Research indicates that when someone is experiencing a
headache the serotonin levels will drop. In response the
body releases neuropeptides. These cause blood vessels in
the meninges - which refers to the brain's outer covering -
to become inflamed and dilated. This results in further
headache pain.
 Though
this helps to explain a possible scenario it may not always
be the definitive answer as to what may be causing an
individual's migraine. What seems to be a little more
clearer is that there is a number of known 'triggers' that
can set off a sequence of events that can lead to a
migraine.
One important area in that regard is certain food
sensitivities or allergies. Someone suffering from frequent
headaches may be reacting to such foods as chocolate, wheat,
MSG, sulfites used as preservatives, nuts, dairy foods,
alcohol or specifically red wine. Add to this fermented or
pickled food, and aged food such as certain cheeses. Keep in
mind that even the absence of food can trigger a headache
brought on by a low sugar imbalance. And though it is not a
'food' per se it is good to monitor anything that you may
take in - such as medications - as some could have the
particular side effect of giving you a headache.
Another factor is hormonal imbalances. Women often
experience bad headaches around the time of their periods
which doctors feel corresponds to a drop in estrogen.
Headaches have also been connected to hormone replacement
therapy, the taking of contraceptives and the menopausal
phase which are all manifest changes in a body's hormonal
balance.
Stress can be one of the aspects, that although we may
connect to tension headaches, may also be a trigger for a
migraine in some individuals. And people who are perhaps
more susceptible to bad headaches may find that strong
smells, light that is too bright or sounds that jar can
influence a reaction.
Physical activity that can elevate the blood pressure could
play a role. As well, outside changes in altitude or
barometric pressure that comes from weather and seasonal
aspects could contribute.
There is no doubt that there are any number of triggers that
may exist and that these will undoubtedly be different for
each person. If you're searching for the answer on your own
or with the care of a professional there will be a wide
range of factors to look at. It will be vital to pay
attention to even the smallest detail as your daily routine
and your environment may hold the key to finding relief.
Click here to learn more about
Migraine Headaches
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