Migraine causes
When it comes to the causes of migraine headaches there are no simple
answers. Likewise, there are no hard and fast answers. The triggers that bring
on a headache to one person may be completely different than the triggers that
affect another person. Trigger, by the way, is a word that is used to refer
to those factors that can initiate a migraine in those who suffer from them.
It is interesting to note that about sixty years ago it was thought that the root cause of migraines was a spasm in the blood vessels that run through the head. It was suggested that the first part of the spasm was the blood vessels constricting or becoming smaller in diameter. This was thought to bring on the famous aura or flashing lights that some people experience. When the vessels relaxed and opened up again, the increase in blood flow was thought to bring on the pain.
This theory of the blood vessels expanding and contracting is still thought to be a major contributing factor to migraines. A little over three decades ago it was also determined that certain chemicals inside the brain also play a part in the onset of migraines. These chemicals are serotonin and dopamine. Both of these chemicals are found naturally in the brain, but when the levels of either or both become out of balance, they can cause a migraine by affecting the blood vessels.
In addition to the above, other triggers are known to bring on migraines. These include:
Foods such as cheese, alcoholic beverages, chocolate, nuts, and there is also much evidence that MSG, monosodium glutamate, are all triggers for migraines.
Tobacco use has been linked to migraines as well.
Birth control pills have long been considered a trigger in some women. Much of this has to do with the fluctuation in the estrogen levels that occur when women are taking birth control pills.
There are some interesting studies being conducted that show that variations in sleep patterns may bring on migraines in some people. Those individuals, and this seems to be especially true in females, who do not get enough sleep each night or those who often awake during the night, may suffer from migraines more so than those who get a full night of peaceful sleep.
Some researchers also believe that missing meals can be a trigger for migraines.
Physical stress is also a cause of migraines for some people. This particular trigger is less common than many of the other triggers but it can affect some individuals.
In addition to physical stress, emotional stress can be a cause of migraines. Emotional stress seems to be a more common reason for migraines than physical stress and it may be one of the reasons people often encounter migraines during their working hours. Increased emotional stress may also account for why some personality types, such as the Type A personality, may experience migraines.
Increased stress can also be associated with urban living. Those who live in big cities will often experience higher levels of stress than those who live in rural areas, and subsequently may experience more migraines.
The causes of migraines may also be associated with other health problems. Some of these include:
- Abnormal levels of cholesterol.
- Certain types of epilepsy may also include migraines.
- Tourette's Syndrome.
For some people who suffer from migraines, common triggers may be identified through their medical history. For example, past head injuries may be a causal factor for the migraines. Certain drug use in the past or present may also be a cause for migraines. Zantac and estrogen replacement hormones are just two of the possible drugs that can bring on migraine headache in some people. A past history of stress-related problems may indicate a propensity toward migraine issues. The list of possible issues that can lead to migraine attacks is long and only your doctor can assess your individual history.
Often the causes of migraines can be linked to the type of migraine headache that is being experienced. These are often referred to as migraine variants. Some examples of these unique types of migraines include ophthalmic migraines, wherein the migraines are caused by eye or visual problems. You may sometimes hear this called ocular or retinal migraine.
There are other types of migraines that are called complicated migraines. This is a type of migraine that includes other medical issues such as paralysis.
Yet another migraine cause is the variant called status migrainosus. These particular migraines are often caused by chronic dehydration.
As you can see, the causes of migraine are many. A large portion of those who suffer from migraines may never know what causes their attacks to happen. Some people, those who take a proactive stance with their migraines and keep detailed records of the factors that occurred to them prior to their attack, can often find at least some of the reasons or triggers that affect them. For most people, this is a good way to begin to narrow down the list of possible triggers, and once those triggers have been identified they can be avoided.
More resources:
hcd2.bupa.co.uk - BUPA health factsheet - migraine headaches and their symptoms and treatment, includes information on headache triggers plus aura symptoms.mayoclinic.com - Comprehensive overview covers symptoms, causes, treatment of this debilitating variety of headache.
emedicinehealth.com - Migraine headaches are one of the most common problems seen in emergency departments and doctors' offices. Migraines are due to changes in the brain and surrounding blood vessels.