Roughly 30 million Americans suffer from migraine headaches and women are affected 3 times more often than men. Hormonal changes are part of the reason why females have such a higher incidence.
Migraine headaches typically last between 4 and up to 72 hours with some experiencing them several times a month.
Several risk factors have been identified that increase a person’s chance of having migraines:
- Family history: If one has 1 or more first-degree relatives with migraine headaches, the likelihood rises substantially.
- Age: Most people are between 15 and 55 who have migraine headaches.
- Gender: Women are much more likely to suffer from migraines than men.
- Certain medical conditions: epilepsy, anxiety, stroke, depression, and high blood pressure are all associated with migraines.
- Hormonal changes: Women with migraines often have them just before or shortly after menstruation.
The exact cause of migraine is not fully understood. Some researchers believe migraines occur due to abnormal changes in the brain which results in inflammation and blood vessels swelling and pressing on nerves.
Numerous triggers for migraine attacks have been identified:
- sleep disturbances
- bright lights and loud noises
- dehydration
- hormonal changes
- stress
- weather changes
- low blood sugar
- foods that contain aspartame
- foods that contain tyramine (fava beans, aged cheeses, soy products, etc.)
- caffeine
- alcohol
Lifestyle changes and preventatives can be used to help provide relief and prevent attacks.
Refer to this post fro additional information on some preventatives that have been shown to be beneficial for those who suffer from migraine headaches. See http://blog.teethremoval.com/daily-preventative-therapies-can-reduce-migraine/