A migraine headache is a form of vascular headache. Migraine headache is caused by a combination of vasodilatation (enlargement of blood vessels) and the release of chemicals from nerve fibers that coil around the blood vessels. During a migraine attack, the temporal artery enlarges. Enlargement of the temporal artery stretches the nerves that coil around the artery and causes the nerves to release chemicals. The chemicals cause inflammation, pain, and further enlargement of the artery. The increasing enlargement of the artery magnifies the pain.
Various triggers are thought to bring about migraine in certain people prone to developing migraine. Different people may have different triggers :
- Certain foods, especially chocolate, cheese, nuts, alcohol, and MSG, bring on headaches in some people.
- Missing a meal may bring on a headache.
- Stress and tension are also risk factors.
- Birth control pills are a common trigger.
- Smoking.
Symptoms of Migraine :
- Prodrome: A variety of warnings can come before a migraine. These may consist of a change in mood or a subtle change of sensation. Fatigue and muscle tension are also common.
- Aura: This is commonly a visual disturbance that precedes the headache phase.
- Headache: Although migraine pain usually appears on one side of the head, 30-40% of migraines occur on both sides. Throbbing pain may be present. More than 80% feel nauseated, and some vomit. About 70% become sensitive to light and sound. This phase may last 4-72 hours.
- Headache termination: Even if untreated, the pain usually goes away with sleep.
- Postdrome: Other signs of the migraine (for example, inability to eat, problems with concentration, or fatigue) may linger after the pain has disappeared.
