Migraine Headache Causes

The Most Common Migraine Headache Causes.

Although there is much to be learned about migraine headache causes, it is clear there are genetic, physical, emotional and environmental factors that play a role. There are a number of common migraine headaches causes or triggers; however, what triggers a migraine in one person may not affect others. Almost all migraine sufferers will have at least one environmental trigger. Environmentally related migraine headache causes include a variety of factors: physical surroundings, certain foods and medications, and emotional and physical stress.

Bright lights, glare from the sun, contrasting patterns, loud noises and certain smells have been identified as migraine headache causes in many people. Perfumes, strong odors and cigarette smoke, as well as changes in altitude, very high or low temperatures, time zone changes and jet lag have also been found to be common environmental triggers.

Migraine headache causes can also include a number of foods and some medications. Monosodium glutamate (MSG; a flavor enhancer commonly used in Chinese food and processed foods), coffee, chocolate and other foods and beverages with caffeine, some nuts, nitrates, red wine and artificial sweeteners - particularly aspartame - may also be migraine headache causes for some individuals.

Migraine headache causes that are physical or emotional in nature include hormonal changes in women (the natural fluctuation in estrogen related to the menstrual cycle), hunger, lack of sleep, head injuries, physical exertion and increased emotional or physical stress. Some medications, prescription and over the counter (OTC) have also been know to trigger migraine headaches. Birth control pills, which affect estrogen levels, prescription and OTC ranitidine (Zantac), nitroglycerine and Serpasil are known migraine headache causes.

The physiology of migraine headaches involves the reaction of the blood vessels and neurotransmitters in the brain to certain triggers. Not all sufferers are sensitive to the same things. Most will have a family history of first degree relatives that are also affected by the same triggers. It has been theorized that an inherited sensitivity to certain environmental and physical factors that produce inflammation in blood vessels around the brain can cause a predisposition toward headaches. Therefore, migraine headache causes will vary greatly among individuals.

Author: Matthew Cardinallo, Cluster Migraines Information & Reviews