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What Are the Causes of Migraine?

It's unknown what causes migraine, or why some people get migraine and others don't. There are only theories as to the migraine's cause. According to "Migraines For Dummies" (Diane Stafford & Jennifer Shoquist, MD; 2003), several factors usually come together in order to give a person a migraine. However, a migraine can also be the symptom of another medical condition.

  1. Genetics

    • Many types of migraine seem to run in families, especially familial hemiplegic migraine. But even if both parents are diagnosed with migraines, it doesn't mean their children will always develop migraines. However, they do inherit the tendency to be more prone to getting migraines if other factors come into their lives.

    Triggers

    • Factors that can result in migraines for people with the genetic predisposition are called migraine triggers. A person may need only one trigger or combination of triggers in order to get a migraine. Each person who suffers from migraines has different triggers she must learn to avoid.

    Chemicals

    • Certain chemicals in foods, drinks and medicines have been known to cause migraines. These include the nitrates in lunch meat and hot dogs, caffeine and the food additive monosodium glutamate (MSG). Taking a new medication or having a withdrawal from a medication can also trigger migraines. According to "Menstrual Migraine" (Susan Hutchinson, 2008), over 50 percent of women with migraines discover that the hormone changes their bodies go through during menstruation is also a powerful chemical trigger.

    Situations

    • Other triggers for migraines include getting too much or not enough sleep; stress; smelling new shower curtains, fresh paint, perfume or other strong smells; sudden changes in temperature; missing a meal; eyestrain; falling barometric pressure before rain, and flickering or glaring light.

    Warning

    • Some potentially lethal conditions such as stroke, glaucoma or meningitis may start with a migraine. Go to the hospital immediately if you experience your first migraine over age 50. Go to the hospital if the migraine is accompanied by a rash, stiff neck, loss of vision or loss of coordination. Go to the hospital if the migraine is getting worse instead of better, because this could be a sign of a brain aneurysm.

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