While the exact cause of migraines is not known, there are certain triggers that can cause them. Triggers vary from one sufferer to the next but can include the consumption of certain food and drink, a build-up of stress, or the start of a period.
While some are unavoidable, one of the most effective methods of preventing migraine is to avoid known triggers.
Symptoms of migraine
Symptoms of a migraine bear some similarities to more serious problems, including those of a stroke.
For this reason, and because you may be able to receive preventative medication, it is important to contact a doctor as soon as possible if you suffer from paralysis in one arm, slurred speech, mental confusion, stiff neck, and headaches.
So-called silent migraines do not necessarily include a headache, which can make them deceptively difficult to diagnose.
Migraine diary
Keep a migraine diary, which includes dates of when you suffer migraines, or when you develop the early stages of a migraine.
Include any possible triggers, such as the food you ate and the drinks you consumed just prior to the attack. Possible triggers may also include exercise, any medication or supplements you have taken, too much or too little sleep, and even what the weather was like.
By keeping a migraine diary, it is possible to build up a clear picture of what triggers migraines, and it enables you to eliminate certain factors to determine whether these are triggers. If you notice that you have regularly suffered migraines after eating certain food, try removing this from your diet to see if it stops attacks from occurring. Do remember that you may have more than one trigger and do seek assistance and advice from your doctor.
Some sufferers find that over-the-counter medication alleviates their symptoms. Paracetomol and Ibuprofen can relieve headaches, but these are not effective for all patients.
Anti-emetics may also be used to reduce feelings of nausea, and your doctor may prescribe triptans that can reverse the changes that are believed to cause migraines. Not all treatments work for all patients, so you may need to consult with your doctor and try a number of remedies to enjoy the best results.
Consider visiting a neurologist
Continued attacks and severe migraines may be an indication of a more serious health problem, and you may need to find a neurologist with experience in dealing with the symptoms that you suffer.
With medical advice, you can at least rule out alternative diagnoses and concentrate on identifying migraine triggers.
