What Causes Migraine Headaches?

Migraine headaches cause extreme suffering for many people globally. The pain can be excruciating, the nausea and other effects overwhelming. Migraines create throbbing pain that takes over the entire head, causing hundreds of thousands of lost work days every year.

Because of their severity, migraines lead many people to voice the question, “What is the cause of migraine headaches?”

The Physicians’ Answer

Physicians are not entirely sure what the cause of migraine headaches is. They believe the condition may stem from the nervous system’s reaction to changes in the body or in the environment. They have observed that family history plays a big part as a cause of migraine headaches.

Migraine Triggers

Most physicians believe that, rather than a cause of migraine headaches, there are migraine triggers. Each person has his or her individual triggers that can set a migraine in motion.

* Alcohol
* Weather change
* Temperature change
* Caffeine
* Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
* Sunlight or glare
* Hormones
* Sleep loss
* Stress
* Medications
* Etc.

Migraine Treatments

While the cause of migraine headaches may not be specific, many treatments are available to sufferers.

* Prescription medications. A common treatment for women is hormone therapy. Other medical treatments include anti-depressants, ergots, midrins, and analgesics.

* Natural Treatments. Those who prefer not to take medications may opt for stress management, acupuncture, or herbal remedies.

Whatever the cause of migraine headaches, it is important to get advice from your health care professional about treating your migraines.