Migraines: Causes and Triggers
Learn What Causes and Triggers Migraine Headaches
The pain is excrutiating! What causes these horrible headaches? Surprisingly, it's thought to be a drop in seretonin levels. Triggers can be foods, hormones, and more.
Causes of Migraine Headaches
Migraine headaches are thought to be caused by a drop in seretonin, a brain chemical. Because of this, it is possible that the trigeminal nerve then releases something called neuropeptides. The neuropeptides then travel to the brain's outer covering and dialate blood vessels in that area, causing a headache. Magnesium levels are also thought to drop at the onset of a migraine headache.
Triggers
- Foods such as cheeses, chocolate, alcohol, and highly-processed fast foods
- certain medications
- physical exertion or lack of sleep
- glaring lights/ sunlight
- smells (good or bad)
- stress
- hormones, especially in women
Although causes for migraines are not 100% definite (there can be other reasons besides the ones listed above), these triggers have been proven time and again, and they can be avoided or usually reduced. Small precautions taken in advance can literally spare people the big headache later. Stay tuned for the next migraine articles which explain diagnosis and treatment for chronic migraines.
For more information on migraines, see:
For related neurological information, see:
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