Migraine Causes and Triggers
Causes of Migraine
Researchers have been trying to find the cause of migraine since long but so far the success is nowhere in sight. There are different views about the causes of migraines but none has been established with authenticity. Broadly speaking, migraine has something to do with the nerve system but what is that, is not known.
- Some people believe it to be genetic disorder but probably this is only a supposition.
- It could be caused by functional changes in the trigeminal nerve system.
- Migraines may be caused by imbalances in brain chemicals, including serotonin, which drops during headache but what factors cause that to drop, is not known.
- It is said that level of magnesium also drops just before or during a headache but what causes that to drop, is again not known.
- Another viewpoint is that migraine is psychosomatic in nature, which is unconfirmed.
- Hormonal changes particularly in women are also said to be a cause but like other causes this one is also not confirmed.
- Some people call it hereditary in nature but this also remains unconfirmed.
- There is no known cause of one-sided headache.
Common Migraine Triggers
Trigger is a specific factor that may initiate a migraine attack but is not a cause by itself. It is only a starter. This trigger is usually specific to the person. One particular factor that may trigger migraine in one person may not do the same for another person. Migraine sufferers usually have one trigger specific to them but it is possible that someone may have more than one trigger. Common triggers are:
- Mental stress
- Emotional disturbance
- Lack of sleep, oversleeping or a specific sleep pattern
- Sunlight
- Bright light
- Weather changes, a particular weather or temperature
- Bathing
- Noise or a specific sound
- Quick movement, may be upstairs or downstairs
- Dancing
- Abdominal disturbance like diarrhea or constipation
- High altitude
- Over-exertion
- Eyestrain
- Fasting
- A particular body posture
- A particular odor
- A particular situation or environment
- Certain food items like tea, coffee, beer, candy sweets, chocolate etc.
- Smoking
- Use of narcotics
- Riding in a vehicle etc. etc.
This list is not exhaustive by any means. There can be more factors specific to an individual triggering the headache. If you go for homeopathic treatment, don’t forget to mention what triggers your headache.
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- Risk Factors of Migraine
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- Migraine Treatments
- Migraine Diagnosis