Migraine is a neurological disorder that can trigger or cause headache. Migraine causes can range from lifestyle issues to mental state and food habits that can lead to the development of migraine. Migraine headaches have become a common phenomenon these days. As per research, migraine induced headache is the second most common type of headache preceded by tension type headache.

Migraine causes and precipitating factors:

There is no exact cause of migraine known till date but some researchers support the theory that migraine attacks are caused by functional changes in the trigeminal nerve system, pain in the pathways of the nervous system and by an imbalance in certain brain chemicals like serotonin which is a regulator for passage of pain messages to the brain. A drop in the level of serotonin causes the trigeminal nerve to release a substance called dneuropeptide which goes to the meninges (brain’s outer covering) and dilates the blood vessels. The swollen blood vessels of the brain lead to the development of a headache.

The various conditions that trigger a migraine are:

Hormonal fluctuations: Women are more prone to hormonal fluctuations than men. Changes in the levels of female sex hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone are observed during menstruation, pre menstrual syndrome (PMS), menopause, pregnancy and postpartum period. Intake of oral contraceptives can also cause hormonal fluctuations in women. These fluctuations in hormonal levels are precipitating factors for migraine.

Food: Certain food products and eating habits also contribute to the development of migraines. Foods like caffeine, aged cheese, chocolate, fermented, pickled or marinated foods, aspartame and monosodium glutamate can trigger a migraine attack. Excessive intake of alcohol and wines can also cause migraine. Another factor responsible for migraine is staying hungry or not eating food on time.

Smoking: Nicotine consumption is one of the biggest risk factors for migraine. Both active smoking and passive smoking are harmful and can trigger a migraine.

Stress: In contemporary times most people follow a strenuous lifestyle with prolonged working hours, late nights and no time for relaxation or exercise. This causes an increase in stress levels leading to the onset of a migraine.

Sensory stimulators: Unusual bright lights, glares and sudden shift from a dark room to a bright one can trigger a migraine. Strong and pungent smells, perfumes and paint thinners can also bring on a migraine attack.

Sleep: Both oversleeping and the lack of sleep are equally feared risk factors that might cause a migraine.

Exertion: Over exercising and sexual activities can also act as risk factors for migraine.

Changes in the environment: Certain changes in the environment like altitude shift, pressure changes and change of weather and climate can also trigger a migraine.

If you are susceptible to migraine, you must make a note of these migraine causes and try to change your lifestyle and other habits accordingly. Prevention is one of the best ways by means of which a migraine attack can be diverted. Therefore, you must make an effort to dodge the various risk factors that are likely to get your head spinning.