Migraine Causes

The pain of a migraine headache is often described as an intense pulsing or throbbing pain in one area of the head. More than 29.5 million Americans suffer from migraine, with women being affected three times more often than men. Migraines are different from other headaches because they occur with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light. In most people, a throbbing pain is felt only on one side of the head. Some individuals can predict the onset of a migraine because it is preceded by an "aura," visual disturbances that appear as flashing lights, zig-zag lines or a temporary loss of vision. People with migraine tend to have recurring attacks triggered by a lack of food or sleep, exposure to light, or hormonal irregularities (only in women). The pain of migraine occurs when excited brain cells trigger the trigeminal nerve to release chemicals that irritate and cause swelling of blood vessels on the surface of the brain. Pain can also occur in the face, sinus, jaw or neck area. Once the attack is full-blown, many people will be sensitive to anything touching their head. Activities such as combing their hair or shaving may be painful or unpleasant. For many years, scientists believed that migraines were linked to the dilation and constriction of blood vessels in the head. Prescription medicines are usually necessary, but doctors do not have all the answers. Because a migraineur's daily actions usually have so much effect on the frequency and intensity of illness, there is significant advantage to learning both the scientific medicine and folklore of migraine.

Causes of Migraine

The common Causes of Migraine :

• Hormones, eg the "time of the month" in women.
• Tiredness .
• Foods, eg caffeine, cheese, chocolate, red wine.
• physical exhaustion.
• Medications (ie, birth control pills, vasodilators).
• Fatigue or emotional stress.
• Specific foods or alcohol .
• Head trauma.
• Metabolic or infectious diseases.
• Physical exertion or fatigue.
• Smoking .