A migraine is a headache that’s been medically evaluated as being not dangerous — not all headaches are migraines — but that are bothersome and usually repeated. A severe pulsing or throbbing pain, typically on one side of the head, often with nausea and light sensitivity.
While migraines occur at any time of the year, they can be more common in the fall. Do you want to know why? Keep reading!
Although everyone looks forward to the cooler weather of the fall, this season can also bring on triggers for migraines:
Allergens (such as mold and ragweed) are common in the fall and are major migraine triggers. When you come across allergens, your body produces an increased amount of histamine, which can inflame your sinuses and cause migraines.
The temperature changes during the fall can affect humidity and barometric pressure (atmospheric air pressure). These can irritate nerves in the brain, triggering electrical and chemical changes and causing migraines.
The days are usually shorter during the fall, which can change your sleep cycle. Changes in your sleep can impact proteins that cause pain and suppress neurotransmitters in the brain, triggering a migraine.
Estrogen fluctuations during or before menstrual periods, menopause, and pregnancy can trigger migraines.
Strong smells (such as paint thinners, secondhand smoke, and perfumes) and bright or flashing lights can cause migraines.
Vasodilators and oral birth control pills can worsen migraines.
Stale cheeses, salty/processed foods, and food additives, such as preservative monosodium glutamate (MSG), and sweetener aspartame, can cause migraines.
Coffee and alcohol (especially wine) can trigger migraines.
Stress is a common source for migraines.
You can reduce the incidence of fall migraines with the following lifestyle changes.
Dehydration contracts your brain and other tissues in the body, increasing pressure on nerves, thus triggering migraines.
You can also stay hydrated by consuming:
Lack of magnesium may block signals in the brain, causing migraines with aura (where you experience severe recurrent headaches along with dizziness, ringing in the ears, blurred vision, and other sensory disturbances). A study reveals that taking 500 milligrams of magnesium oxide twice daily for eight weeks can prevent migraines.
Foods rich in magnesium are:
A healthy, balanced diet containing lean proteins, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables plays a crucial role in mitigating migraines.
To prevent migraines, ensure to include these foods in your diet:
While some foods can ease migraines, others can trigger or worsen them. Food triggers vary for different people, so keep track of what foods cause you migraines and act accordingly.
Foods that may trigger migraines include:
The American Health Society reveals that over 80% of people report stress as a major trigger for migraines.
Manage your stress by:
An irregular sleep schedule can trigger migraines, so sleep and wake up at the same time every day.
The following tips can help you stick to a regular sleep schedule:
Long-term use of opiates, prescription pain relievers, and OTC pain relievers containing caffeine can cause migraines. Always take medications as prescribed by your doctor.
You can prevent medication overuse migraines by:
Though caffeine can ease your headache, overconsumption (over 100 milligrams a day) can worsen migraines. Track how much caffeine you get from foods (chocolate, cocoa beans, and kola nuts) and beverages (soda, black tea, etc.), and gradually reduce the intake.
You can try coffee alternatives, such as:
Light sensitivity is the most common migraine trigger, so do not stay in dark areas for long periods of time.
You can prevent sensitivity-triggered headaches by:
If your migraines don’t get better even after trying these remedies, visit us at Woodbridge Walk-In Urgent Care in Irvine, Fountain Valley Urgent Care, or Costa Mesa Urgent Care, CA, for further treatment. With our swift medical care and assistance, we will quickly resolve your migraines and related symptoms.
Dr. Bunten is originally from Huntington Beach, CA. He attended high school in Tokyo, Japan, went to college at UC San Diego and then to medical school in the Midwest. He returned home to California for residency training in Family Medicine at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center. His immediate family all reside in Huntington Beach.
Dr Fishbein has been in the practice of family medicine for over 35 years in Irvine. He received his undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University, medical degree from Chicago Medical School, and completed his family medicine residency at Memorial Hospital of Long Beach.
Dr. Kim is the Medical Director of Family Care Centers, Chair of the Department of Family Medicine at Hoag Hospital, and a recipient of the Physicians of Excellence award from the Orange County Medical Association. He is Board Certified in Family Medicine, and has been practicing in our community for over 20 years.
Dr. Memon is a board certified Family Medicine physician and recently completed her fellowship in Geriatrics at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center. She attended Saint George’s University, School of Medicine and completed her residency at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center. Her interest in medicine started at an early age and has since evolved into a passionate career.
Dr. Gina Nguyen obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Irvine where she graduated Suma Cum Laude. She went to USC Keck School of Medicine, and returned to UC Irvine for a Family Medicine Residency. Since 2005, she worked at Kaiser Permanente, VNCOC, and Family Care Center Urgent Care.
Dr. Williams is Board Certified in Family Medicine and Sports Medicine. He is a native to Orange County and returned home after completing his medical degree at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. After completing his residency in family practice he successfully completed a fellowship in sports medicine.
Dr. Hye Lee is a board-certified Family Practice Physician, affiliated with the American Osteopathic Association and the American College of Osteopathic Family Practice.She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Riverside and earned her medical degree from Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center. Afterward, she did her internship at Downey Regional Medical Center in California and has been a primary care physician since 2005.
Dr. Coyne is a board certified family practice physician and a California native. He completed his undergraduate degree at UCLA before earning his medical degree at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Dr Coyne spent 6 years in the US Air Force at Andrews and Luke Air Force bases, eventually separating as a Major. He enjoys working with patients of all ages.”
Dr. Jay Friehling is a Family Practice physician who has worked in Orange County since 1981. Born in Florida, he received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University and then earned a Medical Degree at the New York Medical College.” His healthcare interests include Diabetes, Geriatric Care, and Hospice Care.
Dr. Jennifer Shoquist is board certified in Family Medicine. Her special interest is woman’s health and her practice accepts patients from 6 years old to seniors. Dr. Shoquist received her M.D. degree at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston in Houston, Texas, and did her residency with Memorial Family Practice at memorial Southwest Hospital in Houston, Texas.
Dr. Tom is a board certified family medicine physician and native Californian. He received his bachelors of science with great distinction in biochemistry and honors in chemistry. Dr. Tom was awarded a Regents Scholarship to attend medical school at UC Irvine.
Dr. Yan attended Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her Family Practice residency at Kern Medical Center in Bakersfield, California. She joined Family Care Center in 2001. She chose Family Practice because she enjoys working with a wide variety of people and because it provides a unique opportunity for continuing care.
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