What To Know About the Triggers and Causes of Migraines

The exact cause of migraines is unknownand certain triggerslike foods or smellscan lead to a migraine flare-up. A migraine is a chronicsevere form of headache that usually affects one side of the head and causes symptoms such as throbbing painnauseaand light sensitivity. Migraine headaches are common—roughly 12% of the U.S. population gets them.

Experts still believe that genetics and your brain structure can play a role in the onset of symptoms. Several risk factors can also increase migraine development. Given how debilitating migraine can beit's important to understand migraine risk factors and what you may be able to do to prevent a migraine flare-up.

Theories

Researchers have not found the exact causes of migraines. Some studieshoweverhave developed theories that may explain potential causes of the condition.

Brain Structure

Researchers believe that migraines are related to changes in neurological (brain-related) activity in certain regions of the brain. These changes can also occur within the brainstemthe part of the brain that connects to the spine.

Hormones

Some theories have suggested that the hormones your brain releases can also induce migraine symptoms. Your brain has several neurotransmittersor chemical messengersthat send electrical signals from one cell to another. When these neurotransmitters become activatedthey can release several hormones such as serotonin—known for being associated with happiness.

When your brain releases serotoninyour blood vessels can become narrow causing an interruption in your blood flow. This can increase your sensitivity to pain and lead to migraine symptoms.

Are Migraines Hereditary?

Some evidence has suggested that having a family history of migraine can also increase your risk of developing the condition. More research is needed to understand the connection between migraine and genetics. One study found that 30% to 60% of people with migraine tend to have at least one blood relative who also experiences migraine.

Who Gets Migraines?

Anyone can get migraine headachesbut you may be more likely to get them if:

• You were assigned female at birth: Theories suggest that migraine is linked to the female sex hormone estrogen. If you were assigned female at birthyou are twice as likely to develop migraines than those assigned male at birth.
• You are between the ages of 30 and 40: Migraine can affect people of all agesbut people in their 30s may be more likely to develop them. Your risk of migraine increases after puberty but tends to decrease with age. In people who have periodsmenopause can lower your risk of getting migraine.

Risk Factors and Triggers

Certain factors can both increase your risk of developing migraine symptoms and trigger your migraine if you’ve already developed the condition. These risk factors includebut are not limited to:

• Dehydration: Not drinking enough water can lead to symptoms of several types of headachesincluding migraine. Research suggests you should drink two liters (orhalf a gallon) of water daily to prevent symptoms.
• Dietary habits: Skipping meals or consuming certain foods and drinks such as alcoholchocolatesmoked fishcured meatsand aged cheeses may increase your migraine risk.
• Environmental factors: Sensory stimuli in your environment can lead to migraine flare-ups. These triggers may include strong odors (e.g.from perfumesgasor paint)flashing lightsloud noisesand changes in weather patterns.
• Fluctuating hormones: People assigned female at birth may experience fluctuating levels of estrogen during menstruationpregnancyperimenopauseand menopause. Hormone changes can also happen if you are taking oral contraceptives (e.g.birth control) or hormone replacement therapy.
  
• Lack of sleep: If you’re frequently tired or not getting enough sleep at nightit can affect the function of your circadian rhythm (your brain’s natural cycle of wake and rest). To prevent symptomsresearchers suggest getting seven or more hours of sleep a night and having a set sleep schedule. Sleep disorderssuch as sleep apnea and insomniacan also lead to the onset of symptoms.
• Medications: Taking too many pain medications may make you more sensitive to migraine pain. Most painkillers are not intended for long-term use. You may want to consider limiting your use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)—such as aspirin and ibuprofen—to prevent an increase in pain sensitivity.
• Mood disorders: People with anxiety and depressive disorders are two to 10 more likely to develop migraine symptoms than those who do not have mood disorders.
• Stress: One study found that 78.4% of participants who experienced migraines also experienced more stressdepressionand anxiety compared to participants without migraines.