If you deal with migraines, you would probably like to know the reason why they happen. Unfortunately, science hasn’t completely pinpointed the cause of migraines. It may be due to an abnormality in your central nervous or vascular systems; it could also be genetic. While the actual cause of a migraine headache is still somewhat of a mystery, there are certain triggers that have been identified. By working with one of our experienced physicians at Northwest Neurology in Libertyville, IL you can pinpoint what your migraine triggers are and learn how to avoid them. We’ve listed a few of the typical migraine triggers here.
One of the most common migraine triggers affecting our patients in Libertyville are various foods, food additives and beverages. Many people, for example, cannot tolerate highly processed foods like instant soups, margarine and frozen meals. While they are convenient, their ingredients typically include high amounts of sodium, fat and unnatural chemicals, all of which have been identified as possible migraine triggers. Drinks that contain caffeine and alcohol can also set off your migraine alarm, as well as those that have artificial sweeteners like aspartame.
It’s likely no surprise that stress can contribute to the development of a migraine. Feeling overwhelmed, angry or upset about things happening in your professional or personal life can be detrimental to your overall health, which can in turn cause a migraine to crop up. Your Libertyville migraine specialist can give you some tips and exercises for overcoming and avoiding stress.
While exercise is important, overdoing cardiovascular or weight training can lead to a migraine in some people. It’s important to start small when introducing a new exercise routine into your life, particularly if it’s been a while since you worked out. Too little or too much sleep, as well as sexual activity, have also been implicated in the development of migraines.
Other causes of migraines – strong smells, certain medications and hormonal changes – can be identified by meeting with one of our physicians at Northwest Neurology in Libertyville, IL. You don’t have to suffer with migraines – contact us today for a consultation!
