The definitive cause of migraines remains a mystery, but in general, scientists believe that activities in the brain could play a role. Specifically, temporary, abnormal changes in brain activity linked to chemicals, nerve signals, and blood vessels are attributed to causing migraines. What is it that causes the change in brain activity? That, too, is unknown. What’s known are some of the triggers that can contribute to the development of a migraine, which differs from person to person.

AFC Urgent Care Hillsdale is here to help you treat your migraines. If you recognize the beginning symptoms, it can be easier to receive treatment to avoid serious pain. Visit our center today to receive the care you need, as you need it.

Emotional Triggers

Emotional migraine triggers can be caused by certain events that may provoke certain chemical changes in the brain. Some emotional triggers include fear, resentment, guilt, excitement, worry, anxiety, shock, depression, tension, mental fatigue, anger, frustration, and confusion.

Physical Triggers

Performing certain physical activities can be good for your overall health, but it could also be the source of your debilitating migraines. Some of the physical triggers of migraines include sleep deprivation, tiredness, working long hours, poor posture, jet lag, sleep disruption, or lack of sleep.

Additional causes may include:

• Neck or shoulder tension.
• Head injury.
• Intense or strenuous exercise.
• Repeated coughing.
• Muscle tension.
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

Environmental Triggers

Several environmental factors may disrupt the body’s chemical balance and trigger a migraine attack. The National Headache Foundation identifies triggers such as changes in weather or climate (a spike or drop in temperature or humidity), altitude, high winds, loud noise, intense smells, bright or flickering lights, stuffy rooms, dusty atmosphere, and traveling.

Treatment of Migraines

Migraines can be counteracted using several treatment options in the absence of a cure. Treatment may differ from one person to the next, so it may take some careful observation and trial and error to develop the best migraine solution for you. Treatment options include:

• A darkened room: While there’s no medicine involved, resting in a quiet, dimly lit, or dark room can ease migraine pain.
• Medications: Certain over-the-counter and prescription medications can be used to treat migraines, including pain-relievers aspirin or ibuprofen and anti-nausea. Visit our center to see if prescription medication is right for you.
• Acupuncture: If medications fail or you are allergic, acupuncture could offer migraine relief. Evidence suggests that acupuncture reduces the frequency of headaches in migraine sufferers, even though it’s not clear how it relieves the pain or limits the frequency of attacks.

To this day, the exact cause of migraines is unclear, but migraine sufferers can get relief for their condition. It may take some time to figure out what works to alleviate your migraine pain and other symptoms. Talk to your physician about your migraine and the best treatment option for you.