Migraines affect about 28 million people a year. There are so many medications that can treat migraines, as well as natural treatments. A lot is known about what a migraine is and what can be used to treat the immense amount of symptoms that come along with them. Although there is a lot known about migraines, the treatments, and the symptoms, there is not a lot known about the causes of migraines. There is some speculation as to what causes them, and there are a lot of things that can trigger the onset of a migraine. Knowing what causes a migraine, as well as what triggers them can be helpful in the overall understanding them.
There is not much known about what causes migraines, which can be frustrating for the people who are experiencing them. However, there are some things that appear to play a role in the cause of migraines. Genetics and environmental factors do seem to play a role in the cause of migraine headaches. Experts have identified a gene mutation that increases a person’s chance of getting migraines. Migraines can also be caused by changes in the brain stream and its interactions with a major pain pathway in the body.
Another possible cause of migraine headaches could be due to serotonin levels. It has been shown that serotonin levels drop during migraines. This can cause the trigeminal system (a major pain pathway) to release a substance called neuropeptides. These travel to the brain’s outer covering, and results in headache pain. Brain chemicals that regulate pain in the nervous system, like serotonin can be involved, although experts are still studying the role of serotonin in migraines.
There are many things that can trigger a migraine. It should be known that triggers do not always cause migraines, and avoiding them will not always prevent migraines. However, some of these triggers can cause the onset of a migraine, it just varies from person to person. You should make a list of possible triggers, and if any of them cause a migraine, you should check it on the list and talk with your doctor about your specific triggers.
One of the things that can cause a migraine is stress. If you are overly stressed at home or at work, you could be triggering a migraine. Changes in your sleep pattern can also trigger a migraine. If you miss sleep, get too much sleep, or make a drastic change in your sleeping schedule, you can cause migraines. Medications, like oral contraceptives can be a trigger for migraines as well. There also is a backlash to some of the medications people take for their migraines. If you take the medications for migraines too often, they may stop working, or they start causing migraines themselves.
Some of your senses may also cause migraines to occur. Things like sun glare and bright, flashing lights can cause migraines. Unusual smells, like paint thinner, secondhand smoke and perfumes can also be a cause for migraines. It is also known that drinks like alcohol and highly caffeinated drinks can also be a trigger for migraines.
Although migraines can happen to people at any time, it is helpful to know what things cause them, as well as certain risk factors that can increase the tendency to develop migraines. Being educated about migraines will only help get the correct treatment, as well as help you and your doctor understand exactly why your migraines are happening.