Suffer From Migraines? You May Suffer from These Diseases

 Are you one of the 30 million people in the United States who suffers from migraines, three-quarters of whom are women? The pain is constant, frustrating and it can be debilitating. Furthermore, besides having to worry about a headache itself, migraines have also been linked to other health issues. But knowing the risks associated with migraines can help you take precautions.

1. Stroke 

About one-third of migraine sufferers say that a headache is accompanied by aura-visions of flashing lights, patterns, or spots, alongside numbness or tingling in your face or hands. If these symptoms are familiar to you and you are a woman between 35 and 45 then you have a higher risk of ischemic stroke. In addition, some evidence shows that blood platelets are activated and clotting risk is increased. 

Both hormonal birth control pills and smoking increase your risk for clotting issues. Therefore, women who suffer from migraines should use a barrier method of birth control, such as condoms, and of course, shouldn't smoke. Studies have also shown that older adults who suffer from migraines and light up a cigarette are also three times more likely to suffer a stroke.

2. Heart trouble

Migraines may also boost your risk for heart disease, according to research in the European Journal of Neurology. So far, no further recommendations aside from avoiding smoking and birth control have been added. However, migraine sufferers with known cardiac problems need to be careful with popular migraine medications, namely triptans. These meds constrict blood vessels in the brain, and in the heart. 

3. More migraines 

Migraines beget migraines. It is therefore important to try to stop them. Migraine sufferers may have a 'hyperexcitable' brain. This means that even small disruptions can lead to headaches. So things like missing a meal or drinking coffee when you usually don't, or a poor night's sleep can trigger a migraine. 

It is therefore vital for migraine sufferers to avoid disruptions to their normal schedule and behaviors. Also, watch out for your working habits. After 90 minutes of work, get into the habit of getting up and doing something else for a couple of minutes. Then, at the end of your workday, take the rest of the evening off.

4. Fibromyalgia

About half of those with this chronic-disorder - which causes widespread muscle pain and tenderness - can also experience migraines, according to research in the journal Headache. As of yet, it is not clear why, however, the two conditions share similar root causes, including the body's ability to control pain. As these two health issues go hand in hand, it is important to talk to your doctor if you suffer from migraines or fibromyalgia. 

5. Depression 

Migraines occur more frequently in people who have bipolar disease and depression. In both situations, there is a genetic predisposition to having a hyperexcitable brain. According to research conducted, the more likely you are to experience frequent headaches, the more likely you are to be depressed. 

However, it is still not clear whether headaches directly lead to depression. But your lifestyle goes a long way toward elevating your mood and preventing migraines. A great way to control the issue? Take a daily 20-minute stroll outdoors and get lots of sleep at night. Both of these decrease brain excitability, helping you to avoid migraines and the blues. 

6. Anxiety
50% of people who suffer from chronic migraines also struggle with anxiety. A chronic migraine is defined as 15 or more episodes per month. Experts believe that some people develop anxiety as a result of the burden of living with chronic migraines. However, they also believe that the brain sends chemical messages from one neuron to another, and this may play a role. 

7. Bell's palsy 

A study conducted in 2014 published in the journal Neurology revealed that people who suffer from migraines are twice as likely to develop Bell's palsy, a condition that induces facial paralysis. After keeping tabs on more than 100,000 people, half of whom suffered from migraines, a team of Taiwanese researchers discovered rates of a nervous system condition called Bell's palsy nearly doubled among those who suffered from migraines. Still, according to researchers, it is not clear how migraines and Bell's palsy are connected, though they believe that inflammation, heart issues, or blood flow problem could link the two. 

8. Parkinson's
If migraines are accompanied by an aura - flashes of light or visual floaters - you are at a higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease, according to research from the Uniformed Services University in Bethesda, MD. This is especially true if you suffer from migraines during your middle age years. While the causes of migraines are still being debated, study authors say issues with the neurotransmitter dopamine may play a role. Furthermore, the study authors speculate that dopamine is also disrupted in people with Parkinson's.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for food, medicines, exercises and so on.   

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Here Are the Main Reasons Why You Might Feel Lightheaded

That sudden feeling of wooziness - like you're about to faint, or the world just shifted under your feet - is something many of us have experienced. And if it's been happening more often lately, you're not alone. Lightheadedness is one of the most common complaints among older adults, and while it's usually not caused by anything dangerous, it's important to take it seriously. Here's why.

Even when the cause is minor, a dizzy spell can send you to the floor - and for older adults, a fall can have serious, lasting consequences. According to the CDC, one in every four Americans over 65 is injured in a fall every year. So whether the lightheadedness itself is a big deal or not, the risk it creates certainly can be. 

The good news is that most causes of lightheadedness are manageable - once you know what's behind them. 

 Lightheadedness vs. Dizziness: What's the Difference?

Before we dive in, it's worth clearing something up, because your doctor will likely ask: are you feeling lightheaded, or are you feeling dizzy?

They're not the same thing. Lightheadedness is that woozy, faint feeling - as if you might pass out. Dizziness, or vertigo, is the sensation that the room is spinning around you. Both can be unsettling, but they often have different causes and different treatments. Knowing which one you're experiencing can make a real difference in getting the right help.

The Top 5 Reasons You Might Feel Lightheaded 

1. You're Not Drinking Enough Water  

This is by far the most common - and most easily fixed - cause of lightheadedness. When you're dehydrated, the volume of blood in your body drops, which lowers your blood pressure and reduces the blood flow reaching your brain. The result? That woozy, faint feeling. 

Dehydration can sneak up on you, especially in warm weather, after exercise, or during an illness. Sometimes a single glass of water or orange juice is all you need to feel better. However, if you've been eating and drinking poorly for several days, it may take more than a quick drink to bounce back - and a doctor may need to check your electrolyte levels and possibly administer fluids intravenously. 

Practical tip: Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink water - thirst is actually a late sign of dehydration, especially as we age. Aim to sip water consistently throughout the day, and keep a glass nearby as a visual reminder. 

2. A Medication You're Taking 

Many common medications - particularly blood pressure drugs and diuretics (water pills) - can cause lightheadedness as a side effect. If they lower your blood pressure a little too well, the result is reduced blood flow to the brain and that familiar woozy feeling.

If you've recently started a new medication or had your dose adjusted, and you're experiencing lightheadedness, it's absolutely worth mentioning to your doctor. The fix is often as simple as tweaking the dose or switching to a different drug. 

Practical tip: Keep a running list of all your medications - including over-the-counter drugs and supplements - and bring it to every doctor's appointment. Some combinations can affect blood pressure in ways that your doctors might not be aware of if they don't have the full picture. 

3. Low Blood Sugar 

When your blood sugar dips too low, your body goes into conservation mode - including your brain, which starts running on the bare minimum. The result can be lightheadedness, confusion, or a shaky, weak feeling. This can happen if you've skipped a meal, gone too long without eating, or if you have diabetes and your medication or insulin has pushed your blood sugar down too far.

4. Standing Up Too Quickly 

Have you ever stood up from the couch or gotten out of bed and felt the room tilt for a moment? That's called orthostatic hypotension - a temporary drop in blood pressure that happens when you change positions. It's more common as we get older, because the nervous system becomes less efficient at quickly adjusting blood pressure to compensate for the position change. 

For most people it passes within seconds, but for some it can be a persistent and frustrating problem. Medications are available to treat it, so it's worth bringing up with your doctor if it's happening regularly. 

Practical tip: When getting up from bed or a chair, do it slowly and in stages. Sit on the edge of the bed for a moment before standing. Grip a sturdy surface when you rise. Compression stockings can also help by improving circulation and preventing blood from pooling in your legs. 

A glass of juice can bring quick relief, but it's best to get your blood sugar checked, especially if this is happening repeatedly. Practical tip: Try eating small, frequent meals rather than large ones. Big meals can actually cause a drop in blood pressure in older adults, while smaller, regular meals help keep blood sugar levels steady and reduce lightheadedness. The Kingsley Clinic And try not to skip breakfast - it really does matter.

5. Heart Attack or Stroke - Know the Warning Signs 

This is the most serious cause on the list, and the one that demands immediate attention. In older adults, lightheadedness can sometimes be the only warning sign of a heart attack or stroke - especially if it doesn't go away on its own.

With a heart attack, lightheadedness is often accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, or pain in the arm, back, or jaw. Stroke symptoms include a sudden severe headache, numbness, weakness, trouble speaking, visual changes, or difficulty walking. But again - in older adults, lightheadedness alone may be the signal. If it persists, don't wait. Every minute counts. 

More Ways to Reduce Lightheadedness in Daily Life 

Beyond addressing the specific cause, there are several everyday habits that can help reduce how often lightheadedness strikes: Stay physically active. Regular exercise helps improve strength and balance, which both reduces the likelihood of lightheadedness and protects you if it does occur.

Limit alcohol. Alcohol can dehydrate you and lower your blood pressure, making lightheadedness more likely - even in moderate amounts. 

Manage stress. Stress and anxiety can trigger lightheadedness. Relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation can help. 

Get enough sleep. Fatigue can worsen lightheadedness, so make sure you're getting adequate rest. 

Make your home safer. Installing handrails in key spots around your home - especially in hallways, stairways, and bathrooms - can prevent a dizzy moment from turning into a dangerous fall. 

Don't walk in the dark. To reduce your risk of injury from dizziness, avoid walking in the dark - use a nightlight between your bedroom and bathroom. 

When to See a Doctor

If a dizzy spell comes on, sit or lie down, and have a drink of water or juice. If the feeling passes within a few minutes, you're likely okay - but still mention it to your doctor at your next visit. 

If symptoms last more than 15 minutes, seek urgent medical care right away. And if lightheadedness is accompanied by chest pain, slurred speech, sudden weakness, or any of the other stroke or heart attack warning signs mentioned above, call 911 immediately - do not wait and see.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for food, medicines, exercises and so on.   

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  

https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    

https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement

https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com   is the latest addition to my blogs