what causes migraines? Could they be food allergy related? How can you stop a migraine?

Answer 1

Migraines are a neurological disease. While you can see a general practitioner/primary care doctor for your migraines, it is really preferable to go to a neurologist...and, for that matter, one who specializes in migraines...

For the most part, when you get a migraine, it's triggered by...something. It can be a trigger food that is specific to migraines. It can be other types of triggers. It can, indeed, be allergies (food and other allergies). My allergies, for instance, can trigger skin problems, asthma problems, and migraine problems - separately and/or together.

Just as each person is different, each migraine is, too, so your triggers are bound to be different from mine. But there are common triggers (possibilities) you might want to look out for... Not every one of these may have an effect on you. SOME of them may only affect you in combination. There are primary triggers (things that, all by themselves, will set you off), and then there are triggers that build up (things that combine with other things to trip you into a migraine state). Some things you can avoid...some you can't.

While the following are common triggers, they are by no means all of the triggers that are around:

Aged cheese
Eggs
Tomatoes
Citrus fruits
Wheat products
Alcohol
MSG
Chocolate
Caffeine
Nitrites (hot dogs, bacon, lunch meat, etc.)
Sulfites
Avocado
Fermented or pickled foods
Yeast, protein extracts, freshly baked yeast products
Onions
Nuts, peanut butter
Dairy products, yogurt, sour cream
Aspartame
Mold/mildew
Bright lights/loud noises
Perfumes and strong scents
Skipping or delaying meals
Missing sleep
Hormonal Changes (period/menopause)
Oral contraceptives/hormone replacement therapy
Weather conditions, barometric changes, cold and/or dry weather
High altitude
Time or time zone changes/jet lag

Stress is not a trigger exactly, but in the same way that stress won't =cause= a cold, if you're stressed, it can often be a contributing factor.

There are a lot of different medications that will help to prevent migraines. You and your doctor can work together to find the right single medication or combination of meds that will help. Or, unfortunately, there may not be anything that will prevent your migraines totally (this happens to be how it works with me).

There are also "abortive" drugs called triptans - seven in all. Imitrex, which is all over the television, is one of them. Different ones will often work for different people. If they work for you, they'll kick in at the beginning of a migraine, like magic, and like the commercials say, pretty much stop a migraine in its tracks. They work better for some than for others. They are NOT for some types of migraines (I can NOT use them myself, darnitall!) There are other types of abortive drugs that work well for other people. Not all abortives work for everyone, but, again, they're worth talking with your doctor about.

As a last effort, there are pain meds, but for the most part, these are narcotic, and they are addictive. If you absolutely need them, they are a lifesaver - and as true migraine sufferers, we know that there are definitely times that Excedrin Migraine and the like just do not cut it!

Exercise (the kind that suits you - not going out and going nuts), stress management and relaxation, getting plenty of sleep (form good sleeping habits), avoid missing meals, and (this is a big one!) discontinue smoking - will all help. Basically all those thing people talk about as healthy measures...as taking care of YOU!

Keep a migraine journal (to record what you've eaten or done that could be a trigger). Maybe do an elimination diet (same principle).

If you'd like to try vitamin supplements, they may well help as preventatives. Many migraineurs (folks who get migraines) take:

Magnesium Oxide
Vitamin B2
Coenzyme Q10
Calcium + Vitamin D
(when taking supplemental magnesium, it's necessary to take extra calcium to keep them balanced)

While the migraine is raging, you'll need to try things to see what works for you. I see a lot of folks talk about cold cloths on their head or neck - I'll kill anyone that brings cold close to me, but it helps others. So cold OR WARMTH to the head of neck. A dark room. Soothing music or absolute silence. An urgent care clinic, if you get to the point you need pain medication, is better than an ER. You'll get seen faster, and you're more likely to be taken more seriously (I read a study in a recent National Headache Foundation newsletter about this, as so many of us are viewed as drug seekers, when all we're looking for is something to ease the pain...)

And if you do go to the ER/urgent care, they can try an IV regimen that is now being used by many migraine specialists...it's a magnesium "cocktail" that sounds odd, but =can= works. My migraine specialist (internationally recognized) recommends it.

Whew! That was a long one! I hope you're still with me!

Above all else, I wish you good luck with something that will let you get beyond the pain.

Take care.

Answer 2

People get migraines for a variety of reasons and food allergies could possibly be one of them. Hormones are another (in women). Best thing to do is to (and yes, it sounds a bit tedious), but to keep track of when you get the migraines and if possible, write down recent meals, time of day, time of month, stress factors, etc. I remember reading some time back about magnesium helping people with migraines. Might want to check it out further. Good luck

Answer 3

Migraines can be caused by some foods, mainly dairy products, cheese,chocolate is a big source of a migraine.
Stopping a migraine, don't eat too many dairy products it's important ot have some dairy in your diet for a healthy balanced diet, but I would go to my doctor, or pharmacy (drugstore) for some more info on how to stop them

Answer 4

They can be allergy related period. My seasonal allergies can trigger migraines. Having a sudden lack of caffeine when you are used to having a lot can cause it. changes in hormones can trigger. They told me to cut back on caffiene, cheese and chocolate when I was having mine regularly. When we have someone come in w. migraines they ususally get iv fluids, compazine or something to that nature and rest. So @ home. take some ibuprofen/excedrine/tylenol, whicever works best, not all @ the same time. drinks some water and get some rest in a dark quiet room. see if that helps. You may need to go to the dr and get perscription migraine meds.

Answer 5

Science does not yet know for sure what causes migraines. But, yes, in sensitive individuals certain foods can trigger migraines. The main culprits seem to be chocolate (or certain chocolate products), aged cheese, and wine. (I'm going to speculate and say that it may be the sulfites added in the commercial wine-making process. One friend who gets a headache if she drinks more than one half glass of wine found out homemade wine didn't do it.)

Drinking herb tea of Feverfew is known to prevent migraines. Use one slightly rounded teaspoon of herb to 8 ounces of boiling water. Steep five minutes, strain and drink. Sweeten with honey if desired. Use every day.

Answer 6

Migraines ? I'm suffering that disease since I'm 11 and reached the peak twice, when I'm 12 & 15. Now, I'm still fighting it and I'm in the way of full recovery. Alhamdulillah.. The causes ? May vary, the main cause is stress. So, don't think too much and try not to put yourself in between life & death situation, okay ?. Try to check yout diet, you need to avoid hi-fat products especially dairy products and even certain herbs & spices. Don't eat lamb, okay ?.. Then, you need to relax your mind with fresh air. Meditation and aromatherapy will help you. Don't spent too long under sunrays okay ?. Don't get yourself too hot or even too cold.. Try to get enough sleep and don't always burnt your midnight oil. Try meet an optician then check your sights.. As I'm, migraine surge me to wear glasses or lenses.. How could you stop ? All above are natural ways but if you consider of taking some medications.. Meet a physician, "Ponstan" & "Cafergot" will help.

Answer 7

Can be allergy related so follow some of the previous excellent suggestions.
Be reflective and try to establish when you get them and when you don't.This can give a clue to what the root cause is.

See a GP if they are continual.

Pain is often a sign from the body for water so every day drink about 8-10 glasses of pure,unadulterated water.

Answer 8

Avoiding wheat, grains, sugar and all fluids but water seem to be particularly effective. MSG is also a big contributor.

Answer 9

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