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If you’ve never experienced a migraine attack, count yourself lucky. Fortunately for the more than 3 million Canadian men, women and children who suffer from migraine headaches, today there are a wealth of options to help deal with, and even help prevent, the pain of migraine headaches. Causes – in theory. We still don’t know exactly what causes migraines. One theory is that they are the result of spasms in the arteries carrying blood to the brain. This is thought to be the result of unusual brain activity involving serotonin, a chemical or neurotransmitter that allows the neurons in the brain to communicate with each other. Certain types of migraine are undoubtedly caused by genetic makeup. However, because researchers have found that the condition is influenced by more than one gene, isolating the specific causes for all migraines is an extremely complex task, and remains the subject of ongoing research. Causes – in practise. While the underlying causes of migraines remain a mystery, the ‘triggers’ which can set off a migraine are well documented. Some of the more common migraine triggers include foods (red wine, chocolate, aged cheese, cured or processed meat), stress, environmental influences (bright or flashing lights, loud noises, strong odours such as cigars, perfume or hair spray), body chemistry (menstruation, hormones, missed meals, sleep deprivation) and changes in barometric pressure. In some cases, a single trigger is all that is required to start a migraine attack. In others, it’s a combination of triggers that begins the process. In fact, for many individuals, tracking their food and sensory intake prior to migraine attacks can be the first step towards ending the pain. What you can do: prevention. As with everything in life, the best offence is a good defence. That means finding ways to prevent migraines before they strike. As mentioned, you can start by writing down everything you’ve eaten and experienced in the 24 to 48 hours before each migraine begins. If you see a pattern, you may be able to isolate your specific triggers and avoid them – and your migraines – in future. Biofeedback, and other relaxation techniques, may also help you prevent future headaches. As well, many people regularly take minerals such as magnesium and calcium to help maintain the health of blood vessels and further enhance their chances of avoiding migraines. (Just be sure to speak to your doctor first if you are considering trying these.) A healthy intake of water – around 6 cups, or 1.5L per day – has also been found to be helpful. What you can do: treatment. Once a migraine takes hold, preventive measures are no longer enough; it’s time to bring in the heavy artillery. When you first begin to experience migraines, doctors suggest you begin by trying over-the-counter analgesics; in some cases, this is all that is required. In a recent article of the American Medical Association's Archives of Internal Medicine, acetaminophen, the medicine in TYLENOL*, was shown to treat the pain, and to help ease the sensitivity to light and the sensitivity to sound caused by migraine. So for pain relief when you experience mild to moderate migraine headache, consider Extra Strength TYLENOL*. If you need something more, your doctor can help you find a prescription product. Above all, resist the temptation to ‘self-prescribe’. Even minerals and ‘natural’ products could react adversely with other medications you may be taking, so talk to your doctor first. And take comfort in the fact that migraine relief is at hand.
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