It’s believed that 18 per cent of women and 12 per cent of men suffer from migraines. There’s a strong genetic link to the condition; around 75 per cent of people affected have a close relative who is too.
Why do we get migraines?
We don’t know the underlying causes, but there are some common factors that may bring on migraines in susceptible people. Triggers include:
➜ Specific food or drink (commonly chocolate, caffeinated or alcoholic drinks, artificial sweeteners or cheese)
➜ Dehydration
➜ Hunger or skipping meals
➜ Fatigue
➜ Strenuous exercise, particularly if associated with skipping meals
➜ Physical factors, such as a head blow or spinal disc pressure around the neck
➜ Glare or flashing light
➜ Strong smells
➜ Anxiety, stress or relaxation after stress
➜ Hormonal changes. Women who get migraines sometimes find
