Ailments and Situations - Migraine - Causes

Causes:

The exact cause of migraines is not known. It is believed that serotonin may play a role, as this chemical triggers nerves and stimulates blood vessels. Research into this theory is still ongoing.

Food sensitivities and allergies often play a key role in migraines. The majority of migraine sufferers are sensitive to alcohol, with chocolate and monosodium glutamate (MSG) rounding out the top three sensitivities. Other suspect foods should be considered on an elimination basis. These include aged cheeses, various forms of alcohol (especially red wine), aspartame/NutraSweet, nitrates (from cured and processed meats), peanut butter and nuts, and pickles and fermented foods. Caffeine can also act as a trigger, though this substance is sometimes used in migraine pain-relief blends.

Low blood sugar levels are frequently associated with migraine headaches. Blood sugar levels are often low during an attack, with the lower the blood sugar level, the more severe the migraine.

Low estrogen during menstruation tends to cause migraines in women. This may also be the reason behind a higher incidence of migraine headaches in women.

Constant noise and strong odours may function as potential migraine triggers. Hunger and fatigue can act in the same fashion.

Weather is also an accepted migraine trigger. And left-sided migraines can be due to menopause.

Risk factors that make you more susceptible to migraines include a family history of migraines (with 50 - 80% of sufferers having a close relative with the same condition), being a woman between 45 and 64, cyclic vomiting, abdominal pain, and/or motion sickness during childhood, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption. Note that these factors do not "cause" migraines, but make you more statistically susceptible to this condition.