Causes of migraines

Migraines are the second most common type of primary headache after tension headaches. No one knows exactly what causes migraines. For many years, scientists believed that migraines were linked to the dilation and constriction of blood vessels on the brain's surface. Today, migraine is thought to be a brain malfunction --a central nervous system disorder of the brain, nerves, and blood vessels.

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A migraine pain center or generator sits in the midbrain area. A migraine begins when hyperactive nerve cells send out impulses to the blood vessels, causing constriction, followed by the dilation of these vessels and the release of prostaglandins, serotonin, and other inflammatory substances that make the blood vessels' pulsation painful. Certain brain cells that use serotonin as a messenger are involved in controlling mood, attention, sleep, and pain. Therefore, chronic changes in serotonin can lead to anxiety, panic disorder and depression.

Migraines cause significant discomfort and disability, but they do not usually damage the body. Migraines are not related to brain tumors or strokes.

It has been estimated that 70 percent of migraine sufferers are female. Of these female migraine suffers, 60 percent report a menstrual relationship to their migraine attack. Ten percent will suffer from migraines only at the time of their menses.

People with migraines may notice the tendency to be affected by certain migraine triggers, such as fatigue, bright lights, and weather changes. Avoiding the triggers or changing some of your behaviors can decrease the frequency of headaches.

Cyclic migraine, as its name implies, is a form of migraine that occurs in cycles. This type of headache has also been incorrectly called cluster migraine. In the absence of neurological symptoms or signs, an underlying cause is seldom found.

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Causes of migraines in women