What Causes Migraine Headaches: Symptoms & Treatments
You might have heard many people complaining about migraine headaches. Well, migraine is much more than a bad headache. One can not imagine the pain it causes until someone does not experience it. However, we do not wish it to happen to anyone. Since it is not a normal headache, people often wonder what causes migraine headaches. Let’s get the details of migraines, one of the most common health problems worldwide.
Migraine Headaches: A Detailed Overview
Migraine is a complex and debilitating neurological health condition. According to the JAMA reports, more than 10% of the population have migraines. It is mainly characterised by throbbing pain that occurs in repeated episodes, often accompanied by vomiting, dizziness, tingling or numbness in the face, hands and feet.
The pain attacks one side of the head, which can last 4 to 72 hours. Some individuals experience visual disturbance and are sensitive to light, touch, smell, and sound. Severe migraine headaches can leave you in bed for several days, impacting a person’s quality of life. If you are willing to treat it, you must know what causes migraine headaches. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the types, causes, symptoms, prevention and treatments.
Types of Migraine Headaches
Migraine headaches come in various forms. To understand what causes migraine headaches, you need to know about all types of migraines since each has distinct characteristics. Here are some common types of migraines:
Migraine with aura
The most prevalent type of migraine is characterised by moderate to severe pain without preceding auras.
Migraine without aura
This type of migraine headache involves sensory disturbance and visual changes.
Chronic migraine
Occurs at least or more than 15 days in a month, with at least 8 days having severe pain in three months.
Menstrual migraine
Hormonal imbalances trigger this type of migraine during the menstrual period.
Vestibular migraine
Often accompanied by dizziness and balance issues.
Retinal migraine
Causes temporary vision loss or blindness in one eye.
Hemiplegic migraine
Results in temporary paralysis or weakness in one side of the body, along with other neurological problems.
Ocular migraine
Causes temporary vision loss and visual disturbance in one eye.
Silent migraine
Having migraine symptoms with no headache.
Status migraine
Prolonged and severe headaches lasting more than 72 hours.
After understanding the types of migraines, it will be easier for the patients to understand what causes migraine headaches and how to treat them.
Causes Of Migraine Headaches
The causes of migraine headaches are complicated and not certain. As it has been observed, migraine headache is caused by the following reasons:
Genetic factor
One of the answers to what causes migraine headaches is genetic factors. If one or both parents have migraines, there are more chances that their children experience it as well.
Neurological factor
Abnormal brain activities are believed to play a crucial role in developing migraines. Changes in neurotransmitter levels, such as overthinking and abnormal behaviour, can trigger migraine.
Hormonal changes
Fluctuation in estrogen levels, particularly in women, can contribute to migraines. This is why women can experience migraine during menstruation, pregnancy and menopause.
Triggers
Migraines can be triggered due to several reasons, such as overthinking, stress, lack of sleep and water, prolonged screen time, bright lights, and sometimes strong odours.
These are the main reasons for what causes migraine headaches. Now, before knowing the treatment, take a look at the symptoms of migraine.
What Are Signs Of Migraine Headaches?
The symptoms of migraine headaches start with a headache, which may be mild, moderate, or severe. The one who is experiencing migraine may face pain in one side of the head, which can be shifted to the other. Some people feel pain in their eyes, temples, and sometimes in the face, jaw or neck. Besides these, there are several other symptoms of migraine headaches, such as;
- Sensitivity to light, odours and noise
- Loss of appetite
- Feeling tired
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Feeling very warm or cold
- Tender scalp diarrhoea
- Fever
Some of these symptoms of headaches are rare and not experienced by everyone. They may also vary depending on the types of migraines. Also, there are prodrome symptoms, aura symptoms and headache symptoms that are distinguished like-
Prodrome symptoms
- Problem in concentration
- Irritability
- Depression
- Difficulty in speaking & reading
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Food craving
- Increased urination
- Muscle stiffness
Aura symptoms
- Weakness in one of the body
- Speech changes
Headache symptoms
- Neck pain, stiffness
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
Postdrome symptoms
- Euphoric mood
- Lack of comprehension
- Mood swings
After knowing what causes migraine headaches and their signs, it is important to be familiar with its prevention and treatment to have control over it. Untreated migraine can lead to a weak body, unproductivity and poor lifestyle. So, here are some migraine prevention methods that can help you control the symptoms.
Preventions Of Migraines
To prevent this headache, first know what causes migraine headaches. Here is what you need to do.
- Identify triggers
Keep a diary to note the points that trigger your migraine. Occasionally, check it to track the potential triggers to avoid the factors that contribute to your headaches.
- Lifestyle modifications
Maintain a regular sleep cycle, stay hydrated, manage stress through techniques such as meditation and breathing exercises, and avoid foods that trigger migraines.
- Hormonal management
Individuals whose migraines are linked with hormonal changes should consider hormonal therapies or birth control methods.
What Are The Treatments Of Migraine?
Migraines can be severe in some cases and can not be treated without medicines. Several over-the-counter medicines are effective in controlling migraine pain, from mild to moderate and severe, such as Vasograin. Ensure you do not consume medicine without a professional health practitioner consultation. Depending on the symptoms, prescription and medication can vary from person to person.
Understanding what causes migraine headaches is important to treat it. Moreover, you should also know the symptoms and prevention if you are seeking relief from this condition. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, a combination of lifestyle modification, prevention measures, and appropriate medications can significantly improve health. Consultation with a healthcare professional is essential for personalised advice and treatment plans tailored to individual needs.