What Are The Exact Causes Of Migraine Headaches?

Have you ever wonder what the exact cause of migraine is? Sadly, it has yet to be discovered, since migraine causes has several theories, and many cases are diagnosed with unknown cause.

Some of the explanations may be issues in the central nervous system, a different environment or changes in your body. But recent research has concluded that migraine can have hereditary roots, and it may pass from generation to generation, usually indicated by an inflammation in the blood vessels which causes pain in the area.

There are plenty of trigging stimulus for a migraine headache such as: hormonal imbalance, bad sleeping habits, certain foods, alcohol or drugs consumption, episodes of stress, certain medicines and perfumes. Although these stimulus themselves are not the cause for the headache but the trigger, avoiding them can reduce migraine episodes, both in intensity as in frequency.

A migraine episode is extremely painful, and the pain changes and becomes more acute when moving around, coughing or lowering the head. The pain takes diverse forms, it can be pulsating or throbbing, and it can also cause dizziness, vomiting and sensibility to the light and sound. Migraine headaches are so painful that the person finds it difficult to carry a normal, everyday life while having a migraine episode.

What's a migraine headache like?

Those who suffer or have ever suffered a migraine headache know the answer very well. A migraine headache starts with pain located on one side of the head, but it gradually spreads. It's extremely painful and it gets worse with physical activity, even with everyday life activities. It's sometimes accompanied by nausea sensation and vomit. Usually, people who suffer from migraine headaches also become sensitive to sounds and sources of light. If the person doesn't take any type of medication, a migraine episode could last anywhere from an afternoon to three days. The frequency varies from person to person since episodes may occur once or twice a week or a year.

Another theory claims that the inflammation produced in the blood vessels alongside with hormones and chemical released into the body may cause the painful migraine episodes.

Recent research has shown that smoking can cause severe migraine headaches, both in smokers and in second-hand smokers. This is due to nicotine. Nicotine makes the blood vessels in the head to narrow, therefore causing a headache.

Stop looking for the exact cause of migraine. Go see your doctor instead, since migraine headaches cannot be solved with regular over the counter painkiller, but your doctor will prescribe a specific medicine for migraine.

Cindy Heller is a professional writer. To learn more about exact cause of migraine, please visit frequent head ache.