Headache / Migraine Pain / Anesthetics Migraines: Causes and Treatments

A migraine is a severe, painful headache that can be preceded or accompanied by sensory warning signs such as flashes of light, blind spots, tingling in the arms and legs, nausea, vomiting, and increased sensitivity to light and sound.

The excruciating pain that migraines bring can last for hours or even days. Migraine is a common problem affecting 36 million Americans, about 12% of the population.

Fast facts on migraines

Here are some key points about migraines. More detail and supporting information is...
in the main article.

• The cause of migraines is still largely unknown.
• Migraines can be preceded by an aura of sensory disturbances followed by a severe one-sided headache.
• Approximately 12% of Americans get migraine headaches.
• Migraine tends to affect people between 15-55 years of age.
• Some people who suffer from migraines can clearly identify triggers or factors that cause the headaches such as allergies, light and stress.
• Some people get a warning prodrome, preceding the onset of a migraine headache.
• Many migraine sufferers can prevent a full-blown attack by recognizing and acting upon the warning signs.
• Over-the-counter medications can eliminate or reduce pain.
• Specific medications can help some sufferers.
• People who suffer from severe attacks can take preventative medicines.

What triggers migraine headaches?

Some people who suffer from migraines can clearly identify triggers or factors that cause the headaches, but many cannot. Potential migraine triggers include:

• Allergies and allergic reactions
• Bright lights, loud noises, flickering lights, smoky rooms, temperature changes, strong smells and certain odors or perfumes
• Physical or emotional stress, tension, anxiety, depression, excitement
• Physical triggers such as tiredness, jet lag, exercise
• Changes in sleep patterns or irregular sleep
• Smoking or exposure to smoke
• Skipping meals or fasting causing low blood sugar
• Dehydration
• Alcohol
• Hormonal triggers such as menstrual cycle fluctuations, birth control pills, menopause
• Tension headaches
• Foods containing tyramine (red wine, aged cheese, smoked fish, chicken livers, figs, and some beans), monosodium glutamate (MSG), or nitrates (like bacon, hot dogs and salami)
• Other foods such as chocolate, nuts, peanut butter, avocado, banana, citrus, onions, dairy products and fermented or pickled foods
• Medication such as sleeping tablets, the contraceptive pill, hormone replacement therapy