Migraines are one of the most powerful types of headaches. Migraines can come with nausea, sensitivity to light, and vomiting. Studies have shown that across the United States more than 36 million people suffer from migraines and women tend to three times more likely to develop migraines than men. The average age when individuals start to develop migraines is between the ages of 10 and 40, but migraines tend to improve or even disappear by the time the person turns 50.

1. How are migraines caused

There is no official cause of migraines and doctors speculate that they have something to do with changes in an individual’s brain and can be hereditary. They are thought to be hereditary because multiple people in the same family can experience migraine headaches. Some precursors that a person may be at risk for migraine headaches are low toleration of bright lights, experiencing headaches with weather changes, and experiencing headaches with fatigue. Some scientists and medical specialists also believe that migraines can occur from changes in blood flow to the brain.

2. Symptoms of a migraine headache

The symptoms of migraine can be some of the harshest and are usually severe and disabling. They can cause individuals to hide away in a dark room for days because of the increased sensitivity to light. In some cases the symptoms are accompanied by tingling and hearing weird sounds. The symptoms occur in stages and a few of the early symptoms include depression, moodiness, anxiety, irritability, and decreased appetite. The symptoms that occur during an actual migraine can include blurred vision, faintness, vomiting, throbbing of the head, and extreme light sensitivity.

3. How to treat migraine headaches

There are a few different ways to treat migraine headaches. They can be treated by traditional preventive medications, acupressure, essential oils, and even home remedies. There are a few different classifications of medications that are used to prevent migraines, including anticonvulsants, beta-blockers, calcium-channel blockers, botox, and CGRP inhibitors. Some essential oils that are very effective in treating migraines include peppermint oil, rosemary oil, lavender oil, chamomile oil, and eucalyptus oil. Home remedies that are often used to treat migraine headaches can include the use of an ice pack, which is helpful in relieving pain when applied on the forehead, scalp, or neck. Over-the-counter painkillers, such as ibuprofen or Tylenol, are helpful in relieving migraines. Studies have also shown that caffeine can give individuals some mild relief from migraines as well. Other home remedies that is effective in treating migraines are preventing migraines or being in a dimly-lit quiet room since bright lights and noises can agitate a migraine. Regular exercise can be effective in preventing migraines because regular exercise releases endorphins that can fight pain.Taking a magnesium supplement or eating a migraine diet can also be helpful in preventing migraines.