Migraines Health Center

The exact cause of migraine headaches is unknown. Current research suggests that inflammation in the blood vessels of the brain causes them to swell and press on nearby nerves, causing pain. This inflammation may arise in or be stimulated by signals from the trigeminal nerve (the main sensory nerve of the face). Many individuals with migraine headaches can identify triggers that cause or aggravate the headache. Because there is no cure, avoiding triggers may help to reduce the frequency or severity of migraine headaches.

Some triggers include:

  • stress and anxiety
  • changes in the weather
  • caffeine (too much or too little), chocolate, or alcohol (often red wine)
  • lack of sleep or too much sleep
  • hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle
  • skipped meals
  • certain foods that contain nitrates (such as luncheon meats, hot dogs), tyramine (such as aged cheeses, smoked fish), monosodium glutamate (MSG), or aspartame
Review Date: 
April 17, 2012
Last Updated:
July 2, 2013
Source:
dailyrx.com