Why do i get migraines

Migraine can affect people in different ways, and the triggers, severity, symptoms, and frequency can vary. Some people have more than one episode each week, while others have them only occasionally.

Episodes often occur in people aged 18—44 years, but they can happen at any time, including during childhood. A prodrome can also include yawning, dizziness, thirst, frequent urination, and sensitivity to light and sound. Sometimes an aura can occur. This involves physical or sensory symptoms, such as flashing lights in the field of vision.

During the headache: Alongside a mild to severe, throbbing or pulsing headache, symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, neck pain, dizziness, and nasal congestion. Resolution: After the headache, tiredness and irritability may last another 2 days. Other symptoms may include sweating, feeling unusually hot or cold, a stomachache, and diarrhea. Find out what else can cause a headache, nausea, and fatigue here. A migraine episode is different from a typical headache.

The experience is different, and they can have different causes. Writing down the symptoms and when they occur can help a person and their healthcare professional identify migraine episodes. Keep this journal for at least 8 weeks, and note down:. Learn more about the differences between migraine and a headache here. Genetic features may also play a role — having a family history of migraine is a common risk factor.

Migraine triggers vary from person to person. They commonly include:. What causes headaches? Find out here. Migraine can be a debilitating condition that is underdiagnosed and challenging to treat. People of Color are less likely to receive the diagnosis of migraine and the treatment than white people. These disparities can impact treatment and therapies.

While these figures could lead to the conclusion that white people experience more migraine episodes than other groups, an analysis of nine studies looking at the average prevalence of severe headache or migraine from to in the U. Furthermore, females in all groups were approximately twice as likely to experience migraine episodes than males.

Overall, studies that discuss migraine and use racial and ethnic differences for clarity often do not consider contributing factors. Further research is warranted, and this should consider behavioral, environmental, genetic, and socioeconomic factors, as well as access to healthcare. There is no cure for migraine.

However, medications can treat the symptoms when they arise, and people can take steps to reduce the frequency and severity of episodes. But keep in mind that these medications can have side effects. Pain relief and other types of medication can often help. Taking medication as soon as symptoms start may keep them from becoming severe.

It is important to avoid overusing medication because overuse can cause a rebound headache. A healthcare professional can help a person decide how much of each medication is safe and effective. Other data suggest that lower levels of estrogen make facial and scalp nerves more sensitive to pain. People who get migraines may be able to identify triggers that seem to kick off the symptoms.

Some possible triggers include the following:. The American Headache Society suggests documenting triggers in a headache diary. Taking this information with you when you visit your healthcare provider helps him or her to identify headache management strategies. Health Home Conditions and Diseases Headache. What commonly triggers a migraine? Some possible triggers include the following: Stress and other emotions Biological and environmental conditions, such as hormonal shifts or exposure to light or smells Fatigue and changes in one's sleep pattern Glaring or flickering lights Weather changes Certain foods and drinks The American Headache Society suggests documenting triggers in a headache diary.

Other people only have a migraine occasionally. Simple painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, can be effective for migraine. Try not to use the maximum dosage of painkillers on a regular or frequent basis as this could make it harder to treat headaches over time. You should also make an appointment to see a GP if you have frequent migraines on more than 5 days a month , even if they can be controlled with medicines, as you may benefit from preventative treatment.

You should call for an ambulance immediately if you or someone you're with experiences:. These symptoms may be a sign of a more serious condition, such as a stroke or meningitis , and should be assessed by a doctor as soon as possible.

The exact cause of migraines is unknown, although they're thought to be the result of temporary changes in the chemicals, nerves and blood vessels in the brain. Around half of all people who experience migraines also have a close relative with the condition, suggesting that genes may play a role.

Some people find migraine attacks are associated with certain triggers, which can include:. There's no cure for migraines, but a number of treatments are available to help reduce the symptoms.

During an attack, many people find that sleeping or lying in a darkened room can also help. If you suspect a specific trigger is causing your migraines, such as stress or a certain type of food, avoiding this trigger may help reduce your risk of experiencing migraines.