Though migraine causes aren't fully understood, genetics and environmental factors appear to play a role.
Changes in the brainstem and its interactions with the
trigeminal nerve, a major pain pathway, might be involved. So, might imbalances
in brain chemicals — including serotonin, which helps regulate pain in your
nervous system.
Researchers are studying the role of serotonin in migraines.
Other neurotransmitters play a role in the pain of migraine, including
calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP).
Migraine triggers
There are a number of migraine triggers, including:
- Hormonal
changes in women. Fluctuations in estrogen, such as
before or during menstrual periods, pregnancy and menopause, seem to
trigger headaches in many women.
Hormonal medications, such as oral contraceptives, also can
worsen migraines. Some women, however, find that their migraines occur less
often when taking these medications.
- Drinks. These
include alcohol, especially wine, and too much caffeine, such as coffee.
- Stress. Stress
at work or home can cause migraines.
- Sensory
stimuli. Bright or flashing lights can induce
migraines, as can loud sounds. Strong smells — such as perfume, paint thinner,
secondhand smoke and others — trigger migraines in some people.
- Sleep
changes. Missing sleep or getting too much sleep
can trigger migraines in some people.
- Physical
factors. Intense physical exertion, including
sexual activity, might provoke migraines.
- Weather
changes. A change of weather or barometric
pressure can prompt a migraine.
- Medications. Oral
contraceptives and vasodilators, such as nitroglycerin, can aggravate
migraines.
- Foods. Aged
cheeses and salty and processed foods might trigger migraines. So might
skipping meals.
- Food
additives. These include the sweetener aspartame
and the preservative monosodium glutamate (MSG), found in many foods.
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