What are migraines?
Migraines are a recurring type of headache. In addition to being recurring, migraines are also characterized by causing moderate to severe pulsing or throbbing pain that is often limited to one side of the head.
There are two main types of migraines—migraines with auras and migraines without auras. Auras are simply the flashes of light or lines one might see while having a migraine. Migraine symptoms can vary a bit from person to person, but they still present clear patterns when you look at migraine sufferers as a whole. Nausea, vomiting, and dizziness are some of the most common symptoms. Unfortunately, there aren’t definitive answers to the question of what causes migraines. Genetics and environmental factors appear to play a role in determining who will be afflicted, but we simply don’t have all the answers. However, there are common threads researchers have identified as possible causes of migraines.
Possible root causes of migraines
- Inflammation of blood vessels in the brain.
- Extreme stress or tension.
- Changes in the brainstem and the way it interacts with the trigeminal nerve (a major pain pathway).
- Imbalances in brain chemicals such as serotonin, which helps regulate pain in the nervous system.
- Abnormalities with neurotransmitters.
Being aware of these possible root causes is important, but we must also consider migraine triggers. These are generally more lifestyle-based than the root, so keep track of your migraines and anything in your life that could be triggering them.
Examples of Migraine triggers
- Irregular sleep patterns
- Hormonal imbalances
- Certain foods and drinks
- Skipping meals and fasting
- Too much stress
- Sensory stimuli
- Extreme physical activity
- Certain medications (Example: Birth Control)
- Changes in weather or barometric pressure
Get to the root cause of your migraines so more complications don’t arise down the road. We know from personal experience that these intense headaches can be debilitating and difficult to manage. Contact our office for guidance! We’re here and ready to walk with you to make sure you get some relief.
