Tips for sidestepping this pesky problem
People don't just "have" migraines; they suffer from them. Migraines, intense headaches that may be brought on by a number of factors, cause sometimes debilitating symptoms that may include:
One of the most effective ways to prevent a migraine is to avoid triggers that bring them on. There are many triggers, both dietary and environmental. Each person is different and will learn his or her specific triggers to avoid. Some of the most common include:
When the upper and lower jaw don't fit together as they should, tension develops in the jaw and muscles surrounding the face, neck and head. In approaching migraine prevention in Worcester, Dr. Levenson has also seen higher incidence of headaches in patients who grind their teeth during sleep, as the excess bite pressure leads to tension in addition to dental wear.
If you are already avoiding all the triggers that lead you to seek shelter in a cold dark room, perhaps it's time to also consult with Dr. Levenson to see if your teeth are playing a role in encouraging the very condition you wish to prevent.
- Intense throbbing in the head and temples
- Unrelenting pain on one or both sides of the head
- Nausea or vomiting
- Light-headedness or dizziness
- Visual disturbances such as blurry vision or blind spots
- Fluid retention
- Numbness
One of the most effective ways to prevent a migraine is to avoid triggers that bring them on. There are many triggers, both dietary and environmental. Each person is different and will learn his or her specific triggers to avoid. Some of the most common include:
- Bright fluorescent lights
- Bright sunlight
- Intense physical activity
- Tobacco smoke and other strong or unusual odors, including chemicals
- Fatigue
- Stress
- Changes in weather, to include temperature and altitude
- Loud noises
- Hormonal changes due to menstruation, pregnancy or aging
- Missing meals
- Artificial sweeteners
- Caffeine
- Food additives such as nitrates, found in many packaged foods and meats
- Yeast containing foods, such as breads and doughnuts
- Chocolate
When the upper and lower jaw don't fit together as they should, tension develops in the jaw and muscles surrounding the face, neck and head. In approaching migraine prevention in Worcester, Dr. Levenson has also seen higher incidence of headaches in patients who grind their teeth during sleep, as the excess bite pressure leads to tension in addition to dental wear.
If you are already avoiding all the triggers that lead you to seek shelter in a cold dark room, perhaps it's time to also consult with Dr. Levenson to see if your teeth are playing a role in encouraging the very condition you wish to prevent.