What are the Causes of Migraine Headaches?

What are the Causes of Migraine Headaches

What are the Causes of Migraine Headaches?

Scientists still don’t have a definitive answer as to what are the causes of migraine headaches.  So far they have been able to identify certain genetic and environmental factors that may play a role.

Some doctors believe that migraine headaches may be caused by changes in the trigeminal nerve, and balances in brain chemicals including serotonin or an imbalance of other minerals, such as magnesium.

Although researchers may not be able to pinpoint the exact cause of a migrane headache they do know that there are a number of different  factors in the environment which can cause a migraine headache to occur.

These triggers may cause a migraine in someone who is prone to migraines they may not cause a migraine in others.

Fluctuations in estrogen levels are believed to cause headaches in women with a history of migriane headaches.  Some women also report migraine headaches immediately before or during their periods when there is a significant drop in the amount of estrogen available in the body.  Many women suffer from migraines during pregnancy or menopause. This can be hormonally related.

Research has found find that some foods can bring about a migraine headache. These foods are alcohol (especially beer and red wine), aged cheeses, chocolate, aspartame and caffeine.  Another reason why individuals suffer from a migraine headache can be related to when they skip meals or fast.

Other culprits can include stress, increased sensory stimulation such as exposure to bright lights, sun glare and loud noises.  Some people find that certain scents such as perfume, can also produce a migraine headache.  Although individuals who do not get enough sleep can have a migraines, others find that too much sleep can also cause a migraine headache.

With new improvements in imaging technology scientists are now able to view the brain during a migraine headache.  This has resulted in an interesting discovery.  When a regular headache occurs the vasculature of the brain often constricts, or the blood vessels get smaller.  However, when an individual is suffering from a migraine headache the vasculature gets larger or dilated.  This causes the release of chemicals that cause inflammation, pain and further enlargement of the artery.

Migraine headaches also causes the sympathetic nervous system to respond with feelings of nausea, diarrhea and sometimes vomiting. This can delay the emptying of the small intestines which affects food absorption, decreases the blood circulation which leads the cold hands and feet and increases the sensitivity to light and sound.

Recent research has found that individuals who suffer from migraine headaches have a greater risk of having a magnesium deficiency in their body. When that magnesium deficiency is corrected many of these individuals go on to lead more normal lives with a significantly reduced number of migraine headaches.

Magnesium is responsible for hundreds of different functions in the body so a deficiency can lead to a wide range of seemingly unrelated conditions appearing to cause anxiety, depression, migraines, heart palpitations, temporomandibular joint syndrome, muscle cramps, noise sensitivity and chemical sensitivity.

Because of all the new research, migraine sufferers have hope that they will be cured of the constant headaches they suffer from.  With a bit of persistence and treatment from their doctor, they will be able to continue to lead normal and productive lives.

As always, you should consult with your doctor before taking any prescription medications or beginning any medical treatment.

For additional information about Migraine headaches and other illnesses visit GetFreeMedsNow.com.