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What Causes a Migraine?

Migraines can range from slight annoyances to debilitating and life-altering experiences. For those who suffer from them, the causes of migraines can be difficult to identify, leaving those affected feeling frustrated and helpless. Knowing the potential causes of a migraine can help victims understand the potential triggers for their headaches and make better decisions about what to do next. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the most common causes of migraines.

Genetics

It is believed that genetics play a substantial role in determining whether an individual will suffer from migraines. Research has suggested that up to 90% of migraine sufferers have other family members with the same condition. Not only that, but genetics appear to be correlated with the frequency of migraine attacks, with those who suffer the most having inherited the migraine genes from multiple family members.

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes can also trigger migraines. Fluctuating hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone in women, can increase headaches frequency and severity. Fluctuations in other hormones, such as those related to thyroid function, can also increase the risk of migraines. Lastly, menstrual cycles can cause migraines in some women, and the impact is most pronounced for those women who are predisposed to migraine due to genetics and lifestyle factors.

Lifestyle Choices

The choices we make on a daily basis can have an enormous impact on our migraine risk. Poor diet is widely recognized as a migraine trigger in many individuals. Specifically, unbalanced diets high in sugar, processed foods, and caffeine can cause problems. Other lifestyle choices that frequently correlate with increased migraine risk include poor sleep, excessive stress, and even dehydration.

Environmental Factors

Environmental factors, such as changes in the weather, have long been connected to migraine development. Experts believe that shifts in pressure and humidity lead to changes in blood flow in the brain, leading to migraines in some individuals. Studies have also suggested that dust, strong smells, bright lighting, and loud noises can induce headaches in some migraine sufferers.

Medication Side Effects

While medications are frequently used to treat migraines, some can even cause the headache itself. This is most common with certain types of birth control, opioids, and a few other classes of drugs. Migraine sufferers should speak with their healthcare provider about the potential side effects of their medications and be aware of any new headaches that develop as a result.

Other Factors

In addition to the five causes of migraines discussed above, there are many other potential influences, including dehydration, high altitude, and even low blood sugar. People who experience migraines regularly should keep a detailed record of their headache symptoms and the circumstances that led to their onset. This can help individuals recognize important patterns, including potential triggers.

Conclusion

Migraines can range from slight annoyances to overwhelming and debilitating experiences. Many factors can increase an individual’s migraine risk, including genetics, hormonal changes, lifestyle choices, environmental conditions, and even certain medications. For individuals living with migraines, it is important to recognize potential triggers to reduce the frequency and severity of future headaches.