Occasional headaches are common and usually not cause for concern, but migraines are much more intense and can affect some people on an almost daily basis. Migraines involve intense, throbbing pain and are often accompanied by nausea and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. People who suffer from chronic migraines can experience 15 or more in a single month. If you have frequent, intense migraine headaches on a regular basis, here’s what you need to know.
What causes migraines?
Medical research has not yet pinpointed the exact cause of migraine headaches, although some studies suggest that genetics and environmental factors might contribute to their frequency and intensity. Medical factors that might play a role include obesity, other pain disorders, depression or anxiety, extreme stress, medication overuse, and even snoring.
Just as the cause of migraines likely varies from person to person, migraine triggers also vary. Common migraine triggers include:
- Lack of sleep
- Too much sleep
- Hunger
- Stress
- Hormonal changes
- Strong smells, bright lights, or loud noises
- Food additives such as MSG or aspartame
- Alcohol use
- Changes in weather
The best way to track your own personal migraine triggers is to keep a diary of symptoms that includes what you were doing or eating right before each migraine started.
When are migraines a sign of something more serious?
Chronic migraines can cause serious disruption in your daily life, and it’s not uncommon to wonder if the frequent intense headaches are symptoms of a more serious medical condition. Fortunately, headaches on their own are rarely a sign of a serious illness, but they can be if they are accompanied by other symptoms including:
- Seizures
- Numbness or weakness
- Uncontrolled vomiting
- Stiff neck
- Trouble speaking
- Blurred or double vision
- Loss of consciousness
If you develop a migraine along with any of those symptoms, you should seek immediate medical assistance.
How are chronic migraines treated?
Over-the-counter pain medications can relieve migraine symptoms, but it’s generally not a good idea to take them on a daily basis because of the effect they can have on your liver and other organs. If you have chronic migraines, you can take preventative medications to stop the headaches before they start, including beta blockers, anti-seizure drugs, and tricyclic antidepressants.
Medication is only one element of treatment. Many chronic migraine sufferers are able to identify triggers and adjust their lifestyle accordingly, such as:
- Getting sufficient sleep
- Maintaining steady blood sugar levels
- Staying hydrated
- Practicing relaxation techniques such as yoga, deep breathing, meditation and massage
- Avoiding triggering foods and beverages such as processed meats, MSG, aged cheeses, caffeine, and alcohol
Additionally, many patients swear by certain supplements to treat migraines, including magnesium, feverfew, riboflavin and coenzyme Q10, but it’s important to discuss supplements with your doctor to ensure they don’t cause side effects or interfere with other medications.
Clinical trials for chronic migraines in San Diego
There are currently few reliable treatments to provide relief from chronic migraines and prevent them from occurring, but research is still underway. At Synergy Research Centers in San Diego, we offer ongoing clinical research trial for chronic migraines aiming at discovering new effective treatments and therapies for migraine and other health conditions. If you would like to participate in a clinical research trial for migraines, give us a call at (619) 304-1726.