Darrick Robles Migraine is one of the most common headache disorders in Germany. Almost 15% of women and 6% of men are affected. Migraine attacks occur primarily in 18- to 39-year-olds and become rarer with age. Exact causes are not known. However, research knows certain trigger factors that can trigger migraine attacks and differ from person to person.
How to recognize migraines
Migraine attacks are intermittent and can last for hours to days. The headache is unilateral and feels throbbing or throbbing. Most sufferers find the pain moderate to severe. The migraine is sometimes accompanied by nausea , vomiting , hypersensitivity to light and noise. The symptoms can worsen with physical exertion (e.g. climbing stairs). If there is also flickering or flashes in front of the eyes, speech and speech disorders, medicine speaks of a migraine with aura.
Possible migraine triggers
The trigger factors are different for each and every person affected. A restless night or a glass of wine does not always have to be followed by a migraine attack. However, the list below can help you identify personal triggers and thus reduce the risk of future migraine attacks.
1. Stress
Research shows that migraines and stress can be mutually dependent. Many sufferers suffer from headache attacks when they are having a stressful time. Of course, you can’t always avoid everyday stress, but you can control how you react to the resulting psychological stress. Relaxation techniques like meditation and yoga can help reduce your stress levels .
2. Sleep-wake cycle
Migraines and sleep patterns can also be related. Those who suffer from migraine attacks in the evening have a higher risk of developing a sleep disorder – and insomnia can, in turn, promote headache attacks. A South Korean long-term study of over 133,000 patients shows a clear connection between lack of sleep and migraines. Here you will find tips for a healthy sleep routine in times of crisis .
3. Hormone
Menstruation brings with it hormonal changes that can promote headaches. Studies on migraine patients show that cycle-related hormone fluctuations are a common trigger factor. The symptoms usually appear a few days before and during the period. If you suffer from menstrual migraines, hormonal contraceptives can have a positive or negative impact on the frequency and severity of the symptoms. Consult a doctor to learn more about your options and to change your birth control method if necessary .
4. Wetter
Many sufferers name weather sensitivity as the trigger for their symptoms. Previous medical studies will often show that the objective weather conditions have a rather limited influence on migraine patients. It has been proven that rising temperatures and falling air pressure, which typically occur with foehn winds, can increase the risk of headaches.
5. Alcohol
Various studies suggest that migraine sufferers are more sensitive to alcohol. About a third of those affected report headache attacks that occur after drinking alcoholic beverages (especially red wine). Various factors often play together in the development of migraines – alcohol consumption can be one of them , although not the main factor.
6. Nutrition
Many migraine sufferers are sensitive to certain foods. Chocolate, cheese and dairy products as well as coffee are mentioned particularly frequently. Fasting or irregular meals (skipped meals, late dinner) can also promote headache attacks. If you suspect certain foods, you should avoid them for a while and see what happens. Otherwise, you should make sure that you eat regularly and in a balanced way.
7. Medication
Painkillers generally help with pain. However, if taken in excess, they can change the brain metabolism and trigger further pain , which can even become chronic – medicine speaks here of drug-induced headaches. You should therefore not take over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol too often – and migraine medication only by prescription.
What helps with an acute migraine attack?
Headaches are treated with painkillers, and vomiting is treated with anti-nausea drugs. Home remedies can also relieve migraine pain: For example, lying in a quiet, dark room, cold compresses on the forehead or a head massage. In some cases (such as chronic migraine) prophylactic migraine drugs are administered.
Prevent migraines before they happen
Headache diaries can be proven to help those affected to understand migraines and their triggers and thus get a better grip on them. With a symptom diary ( headache calendar ) you can record your individual triggers and avoid them more specifically. Keep track of how bad your headache is, when it occurs, and how long it lasts. Also note the accompanying symptoms and which medications you have taken.
The recordings also help your doctor to get a comprehensive overview of your symptoms and derive appropriate therapy measures. Have them ready for your next doctor’s appointment.
