Migraine headaches are neurologic conditions that may present with a wide range of symptoms, and in family medicine, we frequently care for patients who struggle with chronic migraine headaches. The symptoms associated with migraines can vary in intensity and in some cases can be debilitating. Sufferers of migraines may sometimes miss out time with family/friends, may need to be absent from work/school, and often have their hobbies affected. The potential far-reaching effects of chronic migraine headaches can even negatively affect the emotions of sufferers.
What causes migraines and why do some people suffer so profoundly? Allow me to briefly highlight some common chronic migraine headache triggers and then we can journey on where to go from here.
THE 101 ON CHRONIC MIGRAINE HEADACHES
Firstly, it is important to note that migraine diagnosis is often complex and should only come from a qualified medical professional. It is especially crucial to be aware that other (potentially dangerous) conditions can have symptomatology that may overlap or mimic migraine, so swift and appropriate diagnosis is paramount to a patient’s wellbeing and safety. Seeking emergency care if experiencing dangerous neurologic symptoms should never be delayed, and again, diagnosis should come from a physician/medical professional. Some common general symptoms related to some migraine headaches may potentially include:
- Pain with variable severity usually affecting one side of the head-often throbbing/sharp/pressure-like in quality
- Light sensitivity (or, “photophobia.”)
- Noise sensitivity (or, “phonophobia”)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Visual changes
- Tingling sensations
CAUSES/TRIGGERS OF CHRONIC MIGRAINE HEADACHES
Multiple factors may play a roll in the development or progression of migraines such as:
- Genetics: Migraines may run in families.
- Mental health considerations: Stress, anxiety, depression, etc. can be related to severity and frequency of migraine headaches. These links may be bidirectional in that because of migraines there are negative mental health experiences leading to paradoxical worsening of migraine—alas, a vicious cycle.
- Gender: Females are typically more likely than males to endure migraines—this may possibly be due to estrogen-related effects. Migraines may vary in severity/frequency during menstrual periods, pregnancy, and also during perimenopause.
- Lifestyle: Consumption of certain foods can trigger migraine headaches in those afflicted. Additionally, alcohol consumption and/or caffeine can affect those struggling with migraines. Some nutrient deficiencies may be linked to migraine headaches. Poor sleep and deviations from appropriate hydration status may be triggering to migraine sufferers. Smoking can also flare migraines.
- Health conditions: Presence of other health problems like digestive disorders and autoimmune disease can possibly contribute to migraine burden.
- Body Mechanics: Poor posture, tension in muscles, jaw clenching, and other musculoskeletal considerations can serve as potential causes or precipitating factors of headaches.
- Rebound headaches: This is a tricky point to make, as there can often be a migraine cycle in those struggling with these headaches. Use of some medications can lead to a rebounding effect of headaches
- Environmental factors: Just like there are environmental triggers that can worsen other conditions like asthma, there are some environmental factors that can contribute to migraine headache suffering. Allergies, perfume exposures, fluctuations in weather/climate, etc. can all hold relationships with severities, frequencies, and durations of migraine headaches.
Of course everyone’s health narratives are unique to themselves, and migraine experiences are also unique to sufferers—experiences can differ from person to person. Careful consideration, appropriate examination, and thorough workup are important parts of the diagnosis of chronic migraine headaches.
MIGRAINES DONT’S HAVE TO BE SUCH A PAIN –NEXT STEPS TO TRIUMPH OVER TRIGGERS OF CHRONIC MIGRAINE HEADACHES
When struggling with migraine headache, one’s life can be affected negatively. Our medical team at Swetech Medical Center understands this and if you are struggling with migraine headaches, we would be honored to help lead the charge in identification and modification of triggers, and appropriate management. We often work with our patients and review migraine diaries to curate individualized care plans. Customized nutrition goals, appropriate physical activity, and quality sleep can serve as positive tools for management of migraines as well as other conditions
Migraines are treatable, so we’d be honored to join you along your health journey. Schedule an appointment with me, Dr. Maria Swetech, to get help for your migraine headaches today. As always, none of the information contained on our site serves as medical advice.
