Headache World

One thing doctors (and patients) know for certain is that migraine headaches are intensely painful and can last up to 48 hours — and sometimes longer in extreme cases. As to what actually causes them, no one is absolutely sure, although there are a number of theories that may help explain the onset of migraines.

One of these theories is that changes in the trigeminal nerve pathway — the motor nerve for the muscles we use when chewing and the face’s principal sensory nerve are thought to release certain chemicals that cause the blood vessels in the outer covering of the brain to dilate, resulting in a headache. Along with this, imbalances of other chemicals such as serotonin might also play contributory roles.

Another predominating theory that has been somewhat substantiated by research is that migraines are caused by the fluctuations of vascular tissue in the brain (e.g. blood vessels) that put additional pressure on specific areas and thus cause wide-spread effects throughout a sufferer’s body. These fluctuations can be caused by a number of different factors aside from alterations in the trigeminal nerve, however there is still no definitive proof into what might cause these fluctuations in the first place.

Despite this degree of uncertainty as to the precise cause migraine sufferers could find that there are certain triggers that either initiate or compound a migraine. The first of these possible triggers is a hormonal change – especially in women. It is thought that a fluctuation in the level of estrogen could play a role in initiating an attack, and many women confirm that they experience worse migraine symptoms before or during their periods, as well as during both menopause and pregnancy and during the course of taking any hormone-related medication. Statistics indicate that almost twice as many women as men suffer from migraines, and this may give some credence to the role of fluctuating hormones at various times.

Certain foods may also trigger an onset such as chocolate, alcohol, cheese and various other foods containing mono-sodium glutamate and caffeinated drinks. These are commonly-known triggers among migraine sufferers, and experienced sufferers have learned to avoid the intake of such foods and beverages.

Some people might find that a migraine attack is triggered by such factors as stress, a sudden alteration of the sleep pattern, a sudden change of environment, physical exertion and irregular eating habits. Others also suggest that bright lights can also trigger attacks, and learn to be careful in bright sunshine. Further still, other environmental factors such as extremes of hot or cold and strong winds might also be implicated.

With such a wide range of possible triggers and causes it seems that sufferers are best served by avoiding the triggers and must first identify their own individual patterns and trigger factors. By doing so they learn to spot the warning onset signs and control the headache and concomitant symptoms more effectively.

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