What is migraine | symptoms | causes

Migraine headache is one of the most common problems reported by people worldwide. Though several people are charged with it, they aren’t many who are aware of what exactly the ailment is, what are its causes, and signs and symptoms?

What is Migraine Headache?

Migraine headache is nothing but a disabling headache which usually stems from problems associated with blood cells, and nerves present in the head. The ailment is usually accompanied with throbbing pain, and can last for several hours to several days. It may occur several times a week and even once a year.

What is migraine

Whether you are aware of the fact or not, but around 15% of the population is targeted with migraine headache. In addition, women are three times at a greater risk to the ailment in comparison to men.

What Causes Migraine Headache?

The exact cause behind migraine headache is still unknown. However, researchers have revealed that it is caused due to expansion of blood vessels followed by release of chemicals, which in turn lead to inflammation followed by severe pain.

Besides the above mentioned medical reasoning, there are various triggers that are known to cause migraine. It must be mentioned that different people have different triggers.

However, some of the common triggers are mentioned below –

Consumption of certain food items such as nuts, cheese, chocolates and alcohol brings migraine headache in several people.

Missing a meal is also known to promote migraine headache.

Few people get migraine at times of physical or emotional stress.

An alteration in the daily sleep routine may also onset migraine headache.

Women who take birth control pills are also at an increased risk of migraine headache. They are usually targeted at the end of their cycle when the birth control pill is stopped.

Other causes include environmental factors, hereditary factors, allergic reactions and even a certain smell or odor.

What are Symptoms of Migraine Headache?

Symptoms of migraine headache are known to vary from person to person. However, here is a list of few common symptoms associated with migraine headache –

The most significant symptom of migraine headache is throbbing pain, which may appear on either one or both sides of the brain.

Vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, facial pallor, cold feet, cold hands and sensitivity to sound and light are usually accompanied with migraine headache.

A visual disturbance in the aura may also be seen, and the patients may see splashes of white and black or colored lights.