Although the main cause of migraines is still unknown, there are certain common triggers that you need to be aware of. Many studies have shown that migraines occur due to abnormal brain activity or changes in the number of neurotransmitter chemicals in the brain which result in migraine headaches. We will look into some common migraine triggers and let you know how you can avoid them.

Alcoholic drinks

Alcohol causes dehydration which can contribute to headaches. Most alcoholic beverages also contain the additive tyramine which is known to tamper with brain activity. You are advised to avoid alcohol and also drink lots of water if you’re trying to break the habit to prevent dehydration.

Your surroundings

Changes in the environment such as strong odors or a stuffy room can trigger a migraine. Some people will also have consistent headaches when they stay in a smoky room. Other environmental triggers include loud noises, bright lights and flickering screens.

Hunger

Sometimes you may be experiencing consistent headaches because of skipping meals. Even though it is unclear how hunger and migraines are connected, many experts claim that when you skip meals, the blood glucose levels decrease and you also become dehydrated and this is what causes the severe headaches.

Consuming caffeinated beverages

If you don’t monitor your consumption of tea, coffee and some energy drinks, you may continue suffering from frequent migraines. Some people may also experience severe headache when they don’t take caffeinated drinks because their body is used to over-consumption of caffeine.

Medication

Migraine symptoms may be as a result of certain medication. Sleeping tablets, oral contraceptives and hormonal replacement therapy medication are well-known triggers of migraines. If you suspect that the medication you take is responsible for your frequent headaches, it’s best to talk to your Raleigh doctor immediately.

Hormones

Research shows that women are more likely to experience migraines than men. This is probably attributed to hormonal fluctuations which are more common in women than in men. Most women experience migraines a few days before or during their regular menstrual cycles. Others will experience frequent headaches when taking birth control pills or even during menopause. All this is attributed to changes in the levels of hormones in the body.

Stress

Emotional migraine triggers include anxiety, stress, depression and other mental conditions.  Physical or psychological stress affects brain activity and therefore, can trigger migraine attack. It’s common for an individual to experience severe headache after a stressful event or situation.

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What makes for an ideal physician? Here are just of the most common traits patients need from a good primary care doctor.

1. Non-Judgmental

2. Active Listener

There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment plan. That’s why it is important to be totally honest with your doctor ad tell him or her if a certain drug or treatment plan is not working for you. For instance, if your doctor prescribes you to take an antibiotic a couple times a day for the next week and that doesn’t fit into your lifestyle, your doctor should suggest an alternative option. A physician who is an active listener could offer an alternative treatment plan that works for you.

3. Coordinator of Your Care

Your primary care doctor is the one responsible for your overall medical care. This means they should:

• Coordinate with any specialists if ever they are not the best person to be involved in your health plan
• Make sure you’re following up appropriately
• Make sure your preventive care is done on time. This includes disease screenings, physicals, vaccinations, etc.

Aside from these qualities here are some other traits/characteristics that make a doctor an ideal healthcare provider:

• Confident: He should show confidence in whatever he/she says to give patients confidence too
• Empathetic: A good doctor will try to understand what the patient is feeling and experiencing, physically and emotionally, and communicates well.
• Humane: Everybody wants a caring, compassionate, and kind physician.
• Personal: It’s great to see doctors who are interested in you more than just as a patient. He or she interacts with you and remembers you as an individual.
• Forthright: A good physician knows how to explain complicated things in plain language and in a forthright manner.
• Respectful: Does your doctor take your input seriously and works with you? Then that’s a good primary care doctor.

Looking for a trusted primary care doctor in Raleigh? Book a schedule with Triangle Doctor today! Click here for more info.