Have you ever experienced a sensation that begins at the base of your neck, muscle tension that is accompanied by throbbing in the back of one or both of your eyes? If you have, you are most likely familiar with some of the symptoms of a migraine headache. As many of us know when they make themselves noticed it is hard to think of anything else other then relief from the pain.

What is strange about these painful headaches is that sometimes they come on without notice and people wonder why they tend to get them in the first place. There are also times when someone can also predict when they will get one. There are many activities that we do in our everyday lives which contribute to these painful headaches. Below are some symptoms of migraine headaches. One of the keys to preventing these painful headaches is spotting the symptoms and taking action when you start to notice one coming on.

Symptoms of Migraine Headaches

1. Tension in the back of the neck

2. Pain in the back of one or both eyes

3. Nausea, which sometimes leads to vomiting when they are severe

4. Sensitivity to Light

5. Dizziness

6. Loss of Appetite

7. Pain which is usually experienced in one specific region of the head. It usually starts in the back and works it's way forward towards the face.

One thing that a person can do when they start to experience these symptoms is to take an over the counter anti-inflammatory medication, such as aspirin to help alleviate some of these symptoms, especially pain.

According to the National Headache Foundation aspirin is a good treatment for migraines because it does two major things: It decreases the inflammation of the blood vessels in the brain that swell up and cause migraines. Two, it helps alleviate some of the pain associated with them.

Other important facts to know about migraines is the causes. Below is a list of causes of migraines.

Causes of Migraines

1. High Blood Pressure- If you have a tendency to have high blood pressure or you have a family history of high blood pressure that runs in your family, you should consult with a physician about this. This can be a serious indication of abnormally high blood pressure and have serious side effects. Some of these serious side effects includes stroke, this is a possibility that can happen if it is left untreated for a long period of time.

2. High Sodium Diet- Consuming foods or drinks with high amounts of sodium/salt can not only increase blood pressure, but also cause migraines. The recommended amounts noted by various organizations, such as the National Academy of Sciences' Institute of Medicine, have published recommendations on daily sodium limits. "Most recommend not exceeding the range of 1,500 and 2,400 milligrams (mg) a day for healthy adults. Keep in mind that the lower your sodium, the more beneficial effect on blood pressure."

3. Stress- The amount of stress you experience on a daily basis, whether it be through your job, family or other factors can cause migraines. When both the physical and mental aspects of stress accumulates within the body it usually take a toll through your well being and increases your chances of developing one of these painful headaches.

4.Hormonal Imbalance- This cause effects many women throughout the U.S. and other countries. An increase or decrease in hormones or in hormonal production can be one of the causes of migraine headaches. One way to know if this is a factor is to pay close attention to when you experience the migraines. Is it before, after or during your menstrual cycle? If so, how many times a month do you experience them? The best way to know for sure is to consult with your doctor and have various blood tests performed in order to weed out this as the cause.

5.Sinus problems- Sometimes people with sinus congestion and problems associated with the sinuses will also experience migraines. This is considered to be contributed to the sinus pressure that effects the cavity within the sinuses. When this pressure is not released, that is when a painful migraine can develop. This migraine usually centers around the sides of the nose and extends all the way up between the eye brows.

6.Fatigue- Let's face it, how many of us actually get the 8 hrs of sleep we need every night? Not many of us, right? The truth is, lack of sufficient sleep can increase stress within the body making it nearly impossible to feel well rested. This is due to the fact that the body is always constantly trying to catch up on the sleep it was deprived of the night before. This is why it is essential to get at least a few nights of well rested sleep so your body can recuperate and feel refreshed.

7. Eye Strain- People who spend a number of hours on the computer or any other type of profession where a keen sense of vision is part of the job can be susceptible to migraines. Having your vision checked can pinpoint if this is the cause of your migraines. Glasses or contacts may need to be prescribed in order to correct your vision.

By knowing and understanding why migraines develop we can find a way to effectively treat them and help prevent them from their painful symptoms. If you have noticed an increase in migraine occurrences it is always best to speak with a professional physician so they can pinpoint the exact cause. This will help rule out any serious underlying health issues associated with them.