Migraine is a neurological disorder linking nerve pathways and brain chemicals that causes intense pounding recurring pain on one side of the head. Almost one-third of the migraine headache affects both sides. Generally, migraine headache lasts for 4 to 72 hours which is mostly associated with one or more restricting symptoms including poor eyesight, vomiting, nausea, light headedness, sensitivity to sound, smell and touch and numbness in the facial region.

What Are The Causes Of Migraine?

The underlying causes of migraine headache are mostly unidentified, some of the proven theories which explain the root cause for migraine include:

Disorder of the central nervous system

Poor blood circulation in the brain blood vessel

Genetic predisposition

Deformities in the nerve pathway and brain chemicals, such as in multiple sclerosis

One of the simplest ways to avert migraine is to stay away from what twitches headache in the initial stage. Usually, migraine triggers are different for each person and some of the most common triggers you should be watchful to lessen the episodes of migraine attack include:

1. Food

Foods are known to be the most common migraine triggers. Almost 10% of migraine headache is caused by eating certain foods. Some of the food triggers include -salty food, cheese, chocolate, corn, citrus fruits, spicy foods, strong aromatic foods, alcohol and foods containing MSG or aspartame. Also Read: How Long Does A Migraine Last?

2. Sensory Stimulation

The sensory stimulus may be major trigger for migraine, this could be from the overcrowded room, screens, deafening noises, bright lights, strong aroma or touch. People with migraine are often obstructed by a sensory overload due to elevated sensitivity to various external stimuli.

3. Hormonal Balance

Hormonal imbalance is a common trigger of migraine in women. Estrogen hormone regulates the brain chemicals that control pain sensation. Generally, progesterone and estrogen levels drop before the menstrual cycle which results in migraine before or during the periods. Consuming a diet intrinsically rich in nutrients to boost progesterone naturally  and other hormone balancing foods is an effective remedy in this regard. Moreover, during ovulation when the level of estrogen and other hormones are at the peak it may also trigger a migraine.

4. Sleep Pattern

A sound sleep assists in repairing and renewing the cells in the body, mainly your brain cells. If your sleep pattern is disturbed or inadequate it may trigger a migraine attack. Almost half of the migraine attack develops between 4.00 A.M -9.00 A.M which makes the person at increased risk of insomnia.

5. Stress

Stress is one of the biggest triggers of migraine and tension headache, one of the common types of headaches. Studies reveal that 70% of people had a remarkable association between day to day mental stress at home and workplace which increased episode of a migraine attack.

6. Climatic Changes

Changes in the weather conditions like heavy rain, excessive heat and are the common climate-related triggers that can result in a migraine attack. Extreme heat and humidity lead to dehydration another common trigger for a migraine.

7. Light

Bright light is a common trigger of a migraine attack. This condition is known as photophobia and it is one of the conditions used to diagnose migraine. Natural, bright light and fluorescent bulbs worsen the conditions and making it difficult for persons to spend time indoor and outdoor.

Conclusion:

Always remember that migraine triggers are different for each person. Knowing the underlying causes for migraine can help you talk to your physician about the specific triggers, get the proper treatment and incorporate appropriate lifestyle modifications to help reduce nagging migraines and manage your symptoms.