Migraine Causes, Symptoms & Treatment at AMI Clinic Bedford

A migraine is usually an intense headache that occurs at the front or on one side of the head. However, the area of pain can change position during an attack. The pain is usually a severe throbbing sensation.

A migraine is thought to be caused by changes in the chemicals of the brain. In particular a chemical called serotonin. Low levels of serotonin can make the blood vessels in a part of your brain spasm (suddenly contract), which makes them narrower. This causes the symptoms of aura. Soon after, the blood vessels dilate (widen), which is thought to cause the headache.

There are several types of migraine, including:

• Migraine with aura: when there is a warning sign, before the migraine begins.

• Migraine without aura: when there is a sudden headache without any warning signs.

• Migraine without headache: also known as silent migraine, is when aura symptoms are experienced however a headache does not develop.

Migraines are more common in women than men. Migraines usually begin in young adults. However, it is possible for migraines to begin in childhood or even in later life.

Everyone will experience migraine symptoms differently. Some people have attacks frequently, up to several times a week. Other people only have a migraine occasionally, 1x a month or every 3-4 months.
 

Common symptoms accompanying a migraine:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Increased sensitivity to light and or smell
• Poor concentration
• Sweating
• Feeling very hot or very cold
• Abdominal pain
• Tiredness
• Visual problems - You may see flashing lights, zigzag patterns or blind spots
• Stiffness in your neck, shoulders and or limbs
• Tingling in are arm, hands and or face
• Problems with co-ordination. You may feel disoriented or off balance
• Difficulty speaking

Some people find that migraine attacks are associated with certain triggers. These triggers include emotional, physical, dietary, environmental and medicinal.

Emotional triggers:

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Tension
• Shock
• Depression
• Excitement

Physical triggers:

• Tiredness
• Poor quality of sleep
• Shift work
• Poor posture
• Neck or shoulder tension
• Travelling for a long period of time

Dietary triggers:

• Lack of food (dieting)
• Low blood sugar
• Delayed or irregular meals
• Dehydration
• Alcohol
• The food additive tyramine
• Caffeine products, such as tea and coffee
• Specific foods such as chocolate, citrus fruit and cheese

Environmental triggers:

• Bright lights
• Flickering screens, such as a television or computer screen
• Smoking (or smoky rooms)
• Loud noises
• Changes in climate, such as changes in humidity or very cold temperatures
• Strong smells
• A stuffy atmosphere

 
Medicinal triggers:

• Some types of sleeping tablets
• The contraceptive pill

Migraines can severely affect your quality of life, however, there are effective treatment methods that can help to prevent migraine frequency and intensity.
 
If you are suffering with migraine attacks and are interested in how chiropractic treatment can help to prevent them, then call and make an appointment today with our chiropractor and visit the AMI Clinic near Kempston in Bedford, Bedfordshire.
 
Please contact us on 01234 307565 or email us on info@amiclinics.co.uk
 

* The contents of this condition is for information purposes only.