A migraine, or migraine headache, is known to be very painful and is frequently associated with sensory warnings such as blind sports and flashes of light, among others. In certain cases, the excruciating pain from a migraine headache may continue for hours and possibly days.

The enlarging of a blood vessel and nerve fibers releasing chemicals that surround the blood vessels combine to cause migraines. Under the skin and just outside the skull, an artery is enlarged during a headache. This results in chemicals being released that lead to pain, inflammation, and the artery further enlarging. Females are at much greater risk of suffering from migraines, which can be attributed to fluctuations in the menstrual cycle, fluctuations of hormones during menopause, or taking birth control pills.

The sympathetic nervous system leads to nausea, vomiting, and occasionally diarrhea as a result of migraine headaches. The stomach emptying into the small intestine is delayed by the response of the sympathetic nervous system.

As a result, absorption is effected because the majority of it happens in the small intestine. This can cause some dangerous issues. Circulation of the blood is also limited from migraines, meaning extremities such as the feet and hands will not receive sufficient blood flow. Migraines also increase sensitivity to sound and light.

What Causes Migraines?

There is no exact ‘cause’ that is known for migraines, but what is known is that certain events or substances can lead to them. These are referred to as ‘triggers’. While some sufferers of migraine headaches can identify fairly easily the triggers that result in headaches, the majority are not able to.

There are many triggers, including allergies and several allergic reactions. Bright lights, loud noises, certain perfumes and odors, as well as alcohol and tobacco are all additional triggers.

By: Brian Rome