A migraine is an intense, pounding headache that typically develops on one side of the head. For many people, the headache is accompanied by nausea, vomiting and extreme sensitivity to outside stimuli — especially light or noise. Migraine attacks last for hours or days, and the pain is often so intense that it hinders afflicted persons’ abilities to go about their daily routines.
If you are one of the more than 10% of people worldwide who experience migraine headaches, you may wonder what causes them. By identifying a cause, you should be able to find a cure, right? Not necessarily. The unfortunate truth is that researchers are still unsure of what causes migraines. However, most agree that genetics and environmental factors play a role.
Substantial research points to genetics as being a possible leading cause of migraines, meaning these debilitating headaches run in families. Not only that, but certain genes have a greater association with migraines than others, though researchers are unsure why these genes impact some family members but not others.
That said, genetics does play a role. According to one health organization, an individual has a 50% chance of experiencing migraines throughout life if one parent has them. If both parents have them, the risk of developing migraines jumps to 75% for children.
Just because someone has a genetic predisposition for migraines does not necessarily mean he or she will experience them at any point in his or her life. Rather, research also suggests that hormones and environmental factors also play a role in the development of migraines. Researchers refer to these factors as “triggers.” Below are some possible triggers of note.
Several bodies of research point to hormonal changes as a major contributing cause of migraines. For many women, fluctuations in oestrogen — such as during and after pregnancy, before and during menstrual cycles and during menopause — seem to trigger migraines.
For some women, hormonal medications, such as oral contraceptives, are the trigger. If taken during an episode, they can worsen the symptoms. Some women, however, find that taking birth control during a migraine can alleviate symptoms.
Become women experience a fluctuation of hormones far more often than men, they are more likely to experience chronic migraines than their male counterparts. Chronic migraines are defined as those that occur 15 or more days per month. Additionally, women are three times more likely than men to experience migraines, chronic or not.
For individuals who have a genetic predisposition for migraines, certain foods and drinks may trigger an episode. The most common culprits are alcohol, caffeine or any other dehydrating beverages. Offending foods include chocolate, citrusy foods and foods that contain tyramine, such as yeast extract, cured meats, smoked fish and certain cheeses. Missing or delaying meals can also trigger an episode.
Environmental factors, both natural and unnatural, may also trigger migraine headaches. For many people prone to migraines, bright or flashing lights, loud noises and intense smells almost always precede the onset of an episode. Unfortunately, changes in weather, such as drops in barometric pressure, can also trigger a migraine.
Intense emotions such as stress, excitement, depression, shock or anxiety are all common emotional triggers.
For some people, intense physical exertion may trigger episodes. For some of these individuals, even sexual activity is enough to induce a migraine. In addition to physical exertion, exhaustion can cause a migraine. Too little sleep, sleep changes or even too much sleep can also contribute to a migraine.
Unfortunately, healthcare providers and researchers have yet to identify the causes of migraines. However, by paying attention to your body, you can learn to identify your own triggers and either take steps to avoid them or learn how to manage them. Your doctor can work with you to do the same and recommend a management plan.