Are You at Risk for Migraine Headaches?

It is estimated that more than 28 million Americans suffer from these painful, throbbing headaches commonly known as migraines. Certain members of the population are more prone to migraines based on environmental, social, health, and dietary factors.

Genetics can play a large part in your predisposition towards migraine headaches. If your parents or grandparents suffered from these painful headaches, there is a chance that you will have migraines as well.

Severe emotional stress can contribute to the likelihood of migraines. The release of chemical neurotransmitters that cause changes in the vascular system during stressful episodes can cause migraines. If you have a highly stressful job, social life, or living situation you may be more inclined to suffer from migraine type headaches.

According to WebMD, nitrates and MSG, both common food additives, are responsible for up to 30% of migraines that people in the United States suffer. Nitrates are commonly found in processed meat products like hot dogs, lunch meats, and canned meats. MSG, or mono-sodium glutamate is a common additive in Chinese cuisine.

Caffeine is another leading contributor the the high occurrence of migraine headaches in the United States. Caffeine withdrawal is commonly associated with migraine headaches, but it has now been discovered that over-consumption of caffeinated beverages can also be to blame. Migraines can occur as a result of drinking high levels of caffeine that cause the blood vessels in the brain to acclimate themselves to this high level of caffeine. When the level of caffeine in the body drops, migraine headaches occur.

Menstrual migraines affect more than 60% of women that have migraine headaches. These types of migraines occur every month and coincide closely with the menstrual cycle. Menstrual migraines are caused by changing hormone levels in the body that occur before, during, and after menstruation.

Other causes of migraine headaches are changes in weather conditions, sleep deprivation or interruption, inadequate diet, and fatigue.

If you have any of the conditions that are listed here, and can potentially result in migraine headaches, discuss treatment and prevention options with your physician. Avoiding migraines can be a simple matter of changing your diet, getting more sleep, or getting out of a stressful situation. The best way to treat a migraine headache is to prevent their occurrence.

www.webmd.com
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www.migraine.com