Top 7 Causes Behind Migraine Episodes

Migraine attacks are often accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light, and sometimes vomiting. These episodes can last anywhere from a few hours to several days. According to the National Headache Foundation, approximately 28 million Americans experience migraines, with women being more frequently affected than men. The exact causes of migraines are not fully understood. Initially, it was believed that blood vessel spasms in the brain caused migraines, resulting in reduced blood flow and visual disturbances known as aura. Later research identified the role of neurochemical imbalances involving dopamine and serotonin, which influence blood vessel behavior. This led to the neurovascular theory, combining vascular and neurological factors. Various triggers contribute to migraine onset, with different individuals responding to different stimuli. Common triggers include cigarette smoking, certain foods such as chocolate, cheese, nuts, and foods containing MSG, changes in sleep patterns, stress, hormonal fluctuations especially near the end of birth control cycles, caffeine withdrawal or overuse, and weather changes like shifts in barometric pressure or altitude. Understanding these triggers can help manage and prevent migraine episodes effectively.