What is a migraine headache?

The most common type of circulatory related headache is migraine. Migraine headaches are usually described as severe pain on one or both sides of the head. A migraine headache can temporarily cause an upset stomach and/or vision problems.

Where does a migraine headache hurt?

The bones of the skull and tissues of the brain lack pain-sensitive nerve fibers. When you have a migraine, the area that hurts are the network of nerves that extend over the scalp and certain nerves in the face, mouth, and throat. Because they contain delicate nerve fibers the muscles of the head and blood vessels found along the surface and at the base of the brain are also sensitive to pain.

What causes a migraine headache?

There are three theories about what causes migraine headaches. One theory centers around blood flow and the blood vessels in the brain. Blood vessels can narrow and expand. Narrowing constricts blood flow, causing problems with sight or dizziness. When the blood vessels expand, they press on nerves nearby, which causes pain.

A second theory points to chemical changes in the brain. Chemicals in the brain send messages from one cell to another, including messages to blood vessels to narrow or expand. According to this theory, when those messages are interrupted migraines occur.

More recently, genes have been linked to migraine headaches. Some individuals may inherit genes that cause abnormal control and function of certain brain cells. As a result, the person is more sensitive to triggers for migrane headaches.

Triggers for migraines:

• weather changes
• stress and anxiety
• hormone changes during the menstrual cycle
• lack of food or sleep
• bright light or loud noise
• chocolate, alcohol, or nicotine
• some foods and food additives (MSG and nitrates)