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Being part of the people-who-have-migraineclub isnt exactly fun, but youre certainly not alone in it.
Migraine triggers are very individual, but red wine and certain cheese could be an issue.
While amigraine attack and a headache can both involve head pain, the terms arent interchangeable.
A headache can be a not-so-awesome preview of whats to come, but its not the same as migraine.
Youll likely experience intense, throbbing pain on either side of your head orbehind your eyesor temples.
The other main difference is how long it lasts.
Migraine, in general, is somewhat of a mystery.
But if they both cause headaches, how can you even tell which is which?
For one, a migraine can announce its presence several hours to days before the pain strikes.
And once an episode is over, you may feel fatigued, both emotionally and physically.
What causes migraine?
What causes migraine is somewhat of a mystery.
Another possible cause, and one you have absolutely no control over, is genetics.
Add both parents to the mix, and your odds increase to 75%, according to theCleveland Clinic.
Even if you have some idea of what to avoid, personal migraine triggers can be confusing.
Often, one specific migraine trigger doesnt spur an attack each time youre exposed to it.
You might want to think twice before skipping breakfast, or any other meal for that matter.
Stress is something we all experience to some degree.
One way to trigger a horrendous headacheincluding migraineis to let yourself get dehydrated.
You might be right.
According to theAmerican Migraine Foundation, exercise can both trigger and treat migraines.
On one hand, regular exercise can reduce the frequency of migraines.
Thats because exercise releases the natural painkillers in our brain called endorphins.
It can also reduce stress and help us sleep better at nighttwo other migraine triggers.
On the other hand,exercise has been known to trigger migrainein certain people.
Ah, the smell of the outdoors.
Blooming buds and tree pollen abound.
For some people that may only lead to never-ending bouts of sneezing, wheezing, and congestion.
Medications can be a lifesaver for many chronichealth conditions, including migraine attacks.
Were all guilty of staring at a screen too long sometimes.
But if youre susceptible to migraine, you may want to think twice before binge-watching your favorite Netflix series.
According toSage Journals,8spending over two hours daily gazing at a screen is associated with migraine in young adults.
Not sleeping enough can trigger a migraine, but so can sleeping too much, according toThe Migraine Trust.
You have to be cautious when discussing food triggers, Dr. Segil says.
Its not clear why certain foods trigger migraine in certain people.
Caffeine is a double-edged sword when it comes to migraine.
For some people, the right dose at the right time can take the edge off.
Thats because head pain is associated with swelling blood vessels in the brain.
When caffeine comes charging in, the blood vessels constrict, helping to alleviate the pain.
It doesnt take a night of drinking to trigger a migraine in some people.
Even a small amount of alcohol can put you over the edge if you have a history of migraine.
The difference between a traditional hangover headache and a migraine from alcohol is the timing.
(Cue your go-to greasy breakfast sandwich and a pain reliever.)
Last on the list is processed meats, such as hot dogs, deli meats, and bacon.
How can understanding my triggers prevent migraine attacks?
If youve spent countless hours searching for ways to keep migraines at bay, youre not alone.
The best thing you could do is see your doctor to discuss your treatment options.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Living with migraines can feel like an uphill battle.
It also gives you insight into possible prevention and treatment options.
The most important thing to remember?
No one knows your migraines as well as you do.
So, if something doesnt feel right, seek help right away.
The sooner you act, the faster youll feel relief.
