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Migraines are a prevalent condition characterized by headache, nausea, vomiting and throbbing pain on one side of the head. The condition often affects women more than men.
Significance
Migraines are not fully understood as of 2010, and the main focus of treatment is to avoid common migraine triggers that may cause migraine symptoms to occur.
Features
The brain releases chemicals as a reaction to migraine triggers. The triggers cause the blood vessels to constrict as a compensatory bodily response. Headache then occurs, characterized as one-sided and pulsating.
Food Triggers
Foods such as caffeine, alcohol, chocolates, nuts, tobacco and cheese can trigger migraines. Fruits like ripe bananas, pineapples, plums, raspberries and citrus fruits are common culprits for migraine attacks. Food ingredients like glutamate, tyramine and nitrates can also trigger a migraine.
Internal Triggers
Bodily changes can trigger migraine. These include hormonal changes, jaw problems and conditions such as sleep apnea and myofascial trigger points.
External Triggers
Environmental triggers include cigarette smoke, changes in weather, dietary problems, exercise and exertion, emotional and psychological stress, change in routine schedules and unusual odor.
Prevention/Solution
The best way to manage migraine attacks is to avoid triggers. Stress management, healthy diet, regular rest and sleep can help prevent frequent attacks of migraine.
Source:
Relieve-Migraine-Headache: Migraine Triggers: Track Them Down
NPR: A Temperature Hike Can Trigger Migraines
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