What Causes Migraines?

 

What Causes Migraines?

Migraine is a type of neurological headache that typically presents as a throbbing pain on one side of the head, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Although the exact cause is not fully understood, migraine attacks can be triggered by a combination of several factors.

 

 

 

Main Causes of Migraines:

 

1. Genetic Predisposition

• Over 70% of migraine sufferers have a family history of the condition.
• Increased sensitivity of nerve cells in the brain may be inherited.
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2. Chemical Imbalance in the Brain

• Changes in serotonin levels can trigger migraine attacks.
• Overstimulation of nerve cells may lead to the dilation of blood vessels in the brain.
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3. Trigger Factors
Some individuals may experience migraines due to internal or external triggers:

Category	Example Triggers
Hormonal	Menstrual period, birth control pills, menopause
Foods	Chocolate, cheese, red wine, MSG (monosodium glutamate), caffeine
Sensory	Bright lights, loud noises, strong odors
Psychological	Stress, anxiety, excitement, or depression
Physical	Lack of sleep, oversleeping, fatigue, skipping meals
Environmental	Weather changes, altitude, cigarette smoke

 

 

 

How Migraines Develop in the Brain (Brief Overview)

 

1. A trigger activates neural pathways in the brainstem.
2. This causes an inflammatory response in the brain's membranes.
3. Blood vessels in the brain dilate, releasing pain-inducing chemicals (e.g., CGRP).
4. Result: Intense, throbbing headache, often on one side of the head.

 

 

 

Types of Migraine

 

• Migraine with Aura: Visual disturbances (flashes of light, blurry vision, etc.) before the headache begins.
• Migraine without Aura: The most common type; headache starts without warning.
• Chronic Migraine: Headaches occurring 15 or more days per month.

 

 

 

When to See a Doctor

 

• If you experience more than three severe attacks per month
• If your migraines are significantly affecting your quality of life
• If you have aura symptoms (visual problems, speech difficulty, numbness in arms or legs)

 

 

 

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