If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from migraines, you know about the intense throbbing pain, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue symptoms that can last for days. But do you know that some health conditions could be triggering your migraines?
People of all ages and genders can get migraines. More than just a run-of-the-mill type headache, a migraine can make you feel like your senses are in overdrive. In addition to the searing pain, you may experience visual disturbances, find it difficult to think or speak, find noise or light unbearable, and you may experience what feels like your brain sloshing around in your head.
Migraine triggers vary from person to person, and just about anything can trigger a migraine. You may be aware of some of the most common migraine triggers, such as stress, weather changes, skipping food or water, odors or smoke, or exposure to light. But did you know that certain health conditions could also be responsible for triggering your migraines?
Health Conditions that could be Triggering your Migraines
Hormone changes – Hormonal imbalance, particularly in women, can trigger migraines. For many women, the estrogen drop that occurs just before menstruation can trigger a migraine. If you notice a pattern in your migraines around your period, talk to your family doctor. They can test the levels of common hormones such as progesterone and estrogen, as well as your thyroid function.
Sleep Issues – Conditions such as insomnia, restless leg syndrome, sleep apnea, or other things that lead to poor sleep or lack of sleep can trigger migraines.
Depression or Anxiety – These mental health conditions can lead to poor sleep, which in turn can trigger a migraine. If you are struggling to get proper sleep for any reason, talk to your healthcare team about treatments available.
Pain Conditions – Neck and back pain, or chronic pain caused by conditions like TMJ or fibromyalgia, can trigger migraines. You may need a combination of treatments for some types of chronic pain. Physical therapy is often prescribed to help diminish neck pain or back pain.
Nutritional Deficiencies – Lacking certain nutrients, such as riboflavin or omega-3fatty acids, can contribute to triggering migraines.
Infections – studies have shown that infections that cause inflammation, including bacterial and viral infections, can act as migraine triggers.
High Blood Pressure – The American Heart Association study has found a significant link between High Blood Pressure and migraines.
Food allergies or sensitivities – There are many foods and beverages known to play a role in triggering migraines. Your doctor can help you determine which foods may cause allergies, sensitivities, and migraines. Common food triggers include chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, artificial sweeteners, and dairy products.
In addition, overuse of certain medications people often take, including the over-the-counter and prescription meds you may be taking for your migraine pain, can trigger a migraine. Your primary care doctor can help you identify any drugs that may be contributing to your migraines.
Treatments for Migraines
Talk to your family doctor about your migraines and overall health. They can help by identifying and treating underlying health conditions that may be contributing to your migraines. In addition, there are treatment options available; usually, the migraines can be well controlled with prescription medications, alternative therapies such as nutritional supplements or nerve stimulation devices, peripheral nerve blocks, or Botox injections.
The causes of a migraine may differ for each individual, but if you observe that yours follows a pattern, it may tell you something about your overall health. Many health conditions can contribute to your migraines, triggering them, making them worse, or making them last longer, so it’s important to pay attention and talk to your family doctor.
Whether you have migraines or other health concerns, or it’s just time for your annual visit, contact the caring professionals at our West Sacramento or Greenhaven family practice office for an appointment. Your River Bend Medical Associates family doctor can address your concerns about migraines, determine if further testing is needed, and inform you of any appropriate migraine treatments available. As part of your medical team, we are here to provide you with the best care in all aspects of your healthcare needs. For more information on our family medical practice, or to schedule an appointment, contact River Bend Medical Associates, or call 916-392-4000.
