Migraine headaches can be extremely painful and debilitating for those who suffer from them and can even trigger seizures in some instances. In economic terms, it is estimated that migraines cost employers roughly $3,000 per migraine sufferer in terms of lost productivity. As anyone who suffers from migraines knows, preventing the onset of a headache is far more effective that treating the pain once the headache is a full-blown migraine.
Initially, scientists thought that changes in blood flow in the brain were responsible for migraine headaches but research has suggested that this is a manifestation of migraines, not a cause of them. Current theories suggest that neuronal abnormalities are the source of migraine attacks. It appears that migraines originate in the brainstem and that changes in the neurons of certain areas within the brainstem may set off a chain reaction. This wave of neural changes spreads from the brainstem throughout the rest of the brain causing pain as well as changes in blood flow. The exact cause of this disruption in the brain stem is not yet understood, but there is a definite genetic component.
While researchers continue to hunt for the root cause of migraines, those who currently suffer from these debilitating headaches can help reduce the incidence of attacks by avoiding foods, objects, and situations that trigger them. Here are some common migraine triggers.
Alcohol: Red wine is particularly problematic for migraineurs as it contains tyramine.
Hunger: Missing meals is a major migraine trigger. People who suffer from migraines should carry protein bars or some other snack to eat when food is scarce.
Foods: The specific foods that trigger migraines will be specific to the individual, but common culprits include:
• Chocolate
• Caffeine: This can help or hurt depending on the individual.
• Cheeses: The tyramine in aged cheeses is the cause. Varieties that contain tyramine include parmesan, Romano, asiago, and aged cheddar. Safe cheeses generally include the soft cheeses, such as cream cheese and cottage cheese.
• MSG (monosodium glutamate)
o Canned soups: check the label
o Soya sauce
o Powdered Soups
• Foods that contain nitrates (the link here is tenuous, but it is included for those who can find no other triggers). Many food are high in nitrates, here are just a few:
o Cured meats: bacon, hot dogs, salami
o Certain Vegetables: beets, carrots, green beans, spinach
o Water: Nitrates can be present in water due to ground contamination. If you have difficulty determining the triggers for your headaches, it may be worthwhile to have your water tested.
Organic odors: This refers to many perfumes, air fresheners, etc.
Sleep disturbances: Both too much and too little sleep can trigger attacks.
Stress: Abrupt changes in stress levels can lead to migraines.
Glare/Flashing lights: Glare from passing cars or the sun in late afternoon should be avoided through the use of sunglasses or by letting someone else drive.
Medications: Certain medications such as oral contraceptives, theophylline, nifedipine, cimetidine, and others can make you more susceptible to migraine attacks. Ask your doctor about a possible link and whether there are alternatives.
Menstrual Cycles: Some women find relief from birth-control pills while others find that they exacerbate the problem. Sometimes local contraceptive devices, such as the NuvaRing can be beneficial.
Aspartame: A common artificial sweetener
