Racial/Ethnic Variables That May Impact Physiological Functioning

Racial/Ethnic Variables That May Impact Physiological Functioning

When looking at the population of people with migraine headaches, there are certain racial differences. In Caucasian women, the incidence of migraines is a little higher. The percentage of Caucasian women suffering from migraines is 20% while that of Asian Americans and African Americans is 9% and 16% respectively. Related phenomena have been found while examining males with migraines (Tao, 2017) where Caucasians account for 8% while Asian Americans and African Americans account for 4% and 7% respectively (Chawia, 2019). Studies have also demonstrated that the racial effects differ in regard to clinical manifestations. In African American people suffering from migraines, vomiting and nausea were less common, but the pain registered was significantly high (Tao, 2017). Nevertheless, African Americans experienced less weak points. In addition, studies have established that in people with migraines, socioeconomic aspects can be established. This is assumed to involve healthcare access, habits, and diets (Chawia, 2019). When examining racial disparities, in conjunction with socio-economic factors and genetic elements, it is considered that these elements directly affect the diagnosis of migraine headaches.

Process Interactions Impacting Patient

Migraine studies tend to leave numerous research gaps as to why patients suffering from migraines present symptoms that are so different. Alterations in brainstem connections involving the trigeminal nerve have been reported to be associated with migraine headaches. Further studies reveal that there is a link associated with brain chemical imbalance involving mostly calcitonin gene-related peptides and serotonin (Chawai, 2019).

Moreover, several elements can be linked to the occurrence of migraine headaches in a diverse patient population. One of the likely factors includes hormonal shifts in women with migraines (Weatherspoon, 2017). Fluctuations of levels of estrogen prior to or after menstruation, the beginning of menopause, and pregnancy have been found to cause migraines (Lagman-Bartolome & Lay, 2019). Another factor is hormone replacement therapy and the intake of contraceptive pills. They have been shown to exacerbate migraines and decrease the time between incidents. Higher stress levels, as well as the usage of alcohol and OTC medications, are also associated with migraines. Certain individuals may discover that sensory triggers may affect migraine incidents. Some of these include loud sounds, secondhand smoke, smells like perfume, sunlight, and bright light, which may cause migraines. Environmental elements like weather changes have been found to often be associated with migraine headaches, particularly that of elevated biometric pressure. Lastly, food additives including aspartame and monosodium glutamate are among factors that can trigger migraines (Weatherspoon, 2017).

References

Chawia, J. (2019, November 9). How does the prevalence of migraine headache vary by race? Latest Medical News, Clinical Trials, Guidelines – Today on Medscape. https://www.medscape.com/answers/1142556-170218/how-does-the-prevalence-of-migraine-headache-vary-by-race.