Migraine Causes And Risk Factors

A migraine is not “just a headache.” It is a complex neurological condition which can cause severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, usually on just one side of the head. It’s often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound.

 

Migraine Causes

The exact cause of migraines remains unknown, but research suggests that genetic and environmental factors may play a role.

Researchers have found that serotonin levels drop during migraine attacks, causing the trigeminal system to release substances called neuropeptides, which cause headache pain.

It is believed that there are ‘triggers’ that bring on a migraine, although finding out an individual’s specific trigger is not always easy.

 

Some common triggers include:

Certain foods and food additives
Stress
Light or noise
Lack of food or infrequent meals
Changing sleep pattern
Extreme heat or cold
Hormonal changes during periods and menopause
Changes in the environment
Alcohol, especially red wine
Emotions – anger, excitement or grief

 

Risk factors:

Several factors increase the risk of having migraines, including:

Age: Migraine sufferers typically experience their first symptoms during adolescence, and most people who have migraines have had their first attack before they reach the age of 40.

Sex: Women are three times more likely to have migraines. Headaches tend to affect boys more than girls during childhood, but by the time of puberty and beyond, more girls are affected.

Family history:  If there is a family member with a migraine, then you may have a high probability of developing them too.