What Causes Migraines?

Stress

Some patients find stress causes them to experience migraine symptoms, and stress may also increase the severity of these headaches. Stressful life events such as the death of a family member, unemployment, divorce, or a move could lead to a migraine, and chronic stress at work, home, or school may also be a trigger. For example, patients could experience a migraine due to the stress associated with hurrying to meet a project deadline or with caring for a new baby or a sick family member. Keeping a headache trigger journal often provides valuable information the patient and their doctor can use to plan effective treatment. Patients should write down the date, time, source of stress, and duration of each episode, and it can also be helpful to write down emotions experienced during and after the episode. Adopting healthy coping mechanisms and practicing relaxation strategies may improve stress management and symptom control. Patients might wish to experiment with deep breathing or meditation, and doctors can provide information on sources of community support.

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Bright Lights And Glare

More than seventy percent of migraine patients experience sensitivity to bright lights and glare during migraine attacks. This sensitivity is slightly more common in young adults under forty years old. Patients affected by lights and glare could experience pain when exposed to flickering lights, flashing lights, or sunlight. High-contrast lights, blue-green light wavelengths, and the invisible pulsations of fluorescent lighting could also be painful for affected individuals. Many patients have more frequent migraines during the summer when sunlight is especially intense. Some patients may find light sensitivity lingers for several days after a migraine attack, and this may be severe enough that the patient needs to wear tinted glasses while indoors. Lying down in a dark room during periods of light sensitivity is often helpful. Patients should always let their doctor know about any new or worsening light sensitivity.

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