Migraine headaches can be debilitating issue that interferes severely with daily functioning and quality of life.

Preventing and treating migraine headaches, however, is certainly possible with the right combination of medicine and therapy. The exact causes of migraine headaches remain unknown to the medical community, but it is usually accepted that serotonin plays a large role in migraine. Low serotonin levels are usually accompanied by a migraine headache.

A migraine headache can sometimes be preceded by what is known as an "aura."

An aura occurs with what are called classic migraine headaches. In a classic migraine attack, the sufferer may experience changes in vision, such as strange colors or spots that develop. Tenderness in the scalp is usually a sign of a developing migraine episode. Mood swings are also common, such as depression or irritability.

These subtle symptoms can manifest as early as a day before the episode. The following migraine headaches are typically fairly intense, but do not last very long.

Common migraine headaches are a more prolonged variation of the problem, and can last for long periods of time. This can be seriously debilitating, and can be a real impediment to daily life. Fortunately, many medications exist to alleviate migraine pain. Sleep and plenty of fluids are very important in helping to prevent the onset of migraine headaches.

During an attack, be sure to remain in a dark and quiet environment. Use a cold compress to reduce the tension, and massage the scalp with a fair amount of pressure. Stress is believed to be one of the top causes of migraine headaches, and should therefore be avoided as much as possible.

Some foods are also believed to play a significant role in migraine development.
Physicians recommend, for example, that red wine should be avoided by sufferers of migraine headaches. Canned and processed meat are also known as frequent causes of migraine headaches. Causes of migraine headaches can also include excess amounts of caffeine, aged cheese, or cultured dairy products.

If you suffer regular migraine headaches, see a physician for a full list of foods and beverages that should be avoided.

Evan