Some people suffer from regular migraine attacks, which are not only very painful but also significantly affect their quality of life. Dr. Emad Estemalik, a headache specialist at the Cleveland Clinic in the USA, explains what is known about the triggers of migraines and what new, effective treatment methods are available.
“Migraines are very common. Those affected suffer from debilitating headaches. They can occur episodically, but can also be chronic. When we talk about migraines, we are actually talking about the frequency of headache days in a given month,” the doctor explains in a recent press release.
What are the symptoms of migraines?
In addition to headaches, other typical symptoms of migraines include sensitivity to light and noise, nausea and vomiting.
Known triggers of migraines
Even though the exact triggers of migraines are still largely unknown, it is known that certain foods, but also medications, stress, hormonal changes, the weather and disturbed sleep can trigger migraines, reports the doctor.
Fortunately, there are some effective ways for people who suffer from migraines to treat them, says Dr. Estemalik. Most importantly, he advises sufferers to make lifestyle changes.
In the case of migraines, for example, it can be useful to change your diet, the expert emphasizes.
Treatment options for migraines
Various therapies, mostly drug-based, can be used to treat migraines, although no other area of neuroscience has developed as many new treatment methods in recent years as for migraines, explains Dr. Estemalik. Today, it is even possible to have Botox injections to suppress migraine pain.
The fact that treatment with Botox reduces the intensity and frequency of chronic migraines is also confirmed by recent research, which also names treatment options such as 5-hydroxytryptamine-1F receptor agonists and calcitonin gene-related peptide antagonists as effective alternatives to standard treatment.
The study cites exercise and controlled nutrition as effective non-pharmacological treatments.
If migraines occur only occasionally and are of a milder form, taking over-the-counter painkillers may provide sufficient relief, according to Dr. Estemalik.
However, these medications should not be taken regularly, as otherwise there is a risk of a so-called rebound effect, in which the migraine occurs again as soon as the effect of the painkillers wears off, warns the expert.
Prevent with vitamin C?
In addition to the approaches mentioned, the intake of antioxidants, especially vitamin C, could enable natural prevention of migraines.
A study published a few days ago in the journal “Frontiers in Nutrition” shows that a higher vitamin C intake is associated with a significantly reduced risk of migraines.
A healthy diet could therefore possibly also have an effect against migraines through its high content of antioxidants or vitamin C. (as)