What Causes a Migraine?

Overview

Migraine sufferers know all too well the unbearable pain their headaches bring--not to mention the queasy stomach, sensitivity to light, noise and smell, depression and the feeling of total exhaustion once the headache subsides. In some cases, individuals experience sensory "warning signs" known as auras prior to the actual migraine. These auras can take the form of flashing lights, zigzag or wavy line patterns, momentary loss of vision, blind spots or a tingling in the extremities.

Background

The National Headache Foundation (NHF) estimates there are over 28 million migraine sufferers in the United States alone. What differentiates migraines from other headaches are their severity and the other symptoms that accompany them. In those cases where an "aura" prefaces the migraine, symptoms can take hold several days prior to the actual headache. Migraines seldom yield long-term damage to an individual's general health. The disabling pain they inflict, however, can impede everyday life.

Causes

The causes of migraine headaches are different for everyone. These causes are more commonly referred to as "triggers," and a vast array of things could be responsible for your migraine. Among them are stress, a chemical (i.e., serotonin) imbalance, certain foods such as chocolate and aged cheeses, tobacco, alcohol, monosodium glutamate (MSG), caffeine, changes in the weather or barometric pressure, hormonal imbalance, smells such as perfume or paint, variations in sleep or eating patterns and some medications.

Identify Triggers

The best way to identify the cause of your migraines is to keep a record of your headaches. Include the date and time they occur, weather conditions, any changes in your lifestyle or surroundings, recently consumed foods and beverages and any new medications you are taking. Look for a pattern. Remove triggers one at a time to determine which ones could be responsible for your migraines.

Risk Factors

Certain "risk" factors may increase a person's susceptibility to migraine headaches. Children are more likely to suffer from migraines if one or both parents are afflicted. Females are three times more likely than males to get them, especially around the time of menstruation. Age is another risk factor. Fifty percent of migraine sufferers experienced their first headache before the age of 20. Migraines commonly occur in individuals in their 30s. Other risk factors include certain physical problems, such as epilepsy, obesity, fibromyalgia, resistance to insulin and some cardiovascular conditions.

Warning

Get a second opinion if you suspect you are suffering from migraines. Acute headaches associated with other serious illnesses oftentimes are misdiagnosed as migraines. These conditions include stroke or a cerebral hemorrhage, blood clots or an aneurysm, brain tumors, concussions, Lyme disease, meningitis or encephalitis, inflammation of the arteries in the head or cranial neuralgias. Consulting with a neurologist or a physician specializing in headache medicine is recommended.