The causes of migraine

Written by Zhang Hui

Neurology

Updated on January 11, 2025

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Migraine is a very common type of headache in neurology, and the causes of migraines mainly include the following aspects. The first aspect, it may be caused by the dysfunction of vasoconstriction and dilation. Constriction of the blood vessels inside the skull leads to the precursor of migraine, and then dilation leads to the onset of the headache. The second reason to consider is that migraines may be caused by the cortical spreading depression. The third reason, it may also be due to trigeminal ganglion lesions causing migraine attacks, the specific mechanism of which is actually not very clear. The occurrence of a migraine also has some triggers, for example, consuming cheese, pickled products, chocolate, and wine can all potentially trigger migraines, which should be avoided.

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Written by Liu Yan Hao

Neurology

1min 16sec

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What should you pay attention to in daily life if you have migraines?

Patients with migraines should pay attention to maintaining a regular daily schedule, avoid staying up late, avoid overworking, and ensure sufficient sleep. Additionally, there are some foods that can trigger migraine attacks, such as pickled foods and salty vegetables, which contain nitrites that may provoke migraines. Other foods, like certain dairy products and red wine, can also trigger migraine attacks. Patients who experience migraines should try to avoid these types of foods to minimize occurrences. What is a migraine? Migraines typically present as unilateral head pain. A common symptom before the onset of a migraine headache is experiencing prodromal symptoms such as changes in vision, blurred vision, altered shapes, and seeing rippling patterns. These symptoms appear shortly before the headache begins, characterizing a typical migraine attack. During an attack, one can take pain relief medication to ease the pain. Migraines generally do not cause significant health issues, and even without medication, the pain usually resolves within a few hours, so there is no need to worry excessively. The main focus should be on the above points to reduce the frequency of migraine attacks. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhang Hui

Neurology

56sec

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What causes migraines with nausea?

Patients with migraines often experience significant nausea and vomiting, which is also an important diagnostic criterion in the diagnosis of migraines. The reason migraines cause nausea is primarily due to abnormalities in the trigeminal ganglion of migraine sufferers. These impulses may be transmitted to the solitary nucleus in the brainstem, which is mainly responsible for some autonomic nerves and closely related to vomiting. When the solitary nucleus is affected, obvious vomiting naturally occurs. Many migraine patients find that their symptoms are somewhat relieved after vomiting. The main treatment for migraine-induced vomiting is to have the patient rest quietly and take appropriate pain relief medication. If vomiting is pronounced, it is recommended that the patient take antiemetic drugs orally, preferably by muscle injection, which generally provides quick symptom relief.

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Written by Liu Yan Hao

Neurology

1min 6sec

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What should I do if I have a migraine attack?

Migraine attacks do not pose a significant risk to one's health. Therefore, during an attack, it is appropriate to take symptomatic oral pain relief and antiemetic medications for treatment, such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules and metoclopramide tablets. These medications provide symptomatic relief. However, it is essential to confirm that the symptoms are due to a migraine and not conditions like cerebral hemorrhage or subarachnoid hemorrhage, which are acute cerebrovascular diseases. If it is one of these acute cerebrovascular diseases, taking these pain relievers could delay the diagnosis and treatment of the condition. Migraines are often triggered by certain foods, so it is best to avoid preserved foods, such as pickled vegetables that contain nitrates, which can trigger migraines. Other foods like cheese and red wine can also trigger migraines and should be avoided as much as possible. Additionally, it is important to rest properly, avoid staying up late, and try to reduce the frequency of migraine attacks. (Please consult a professional physician before using any medication.)

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Written by Zhang Hui

Neurology

59sec

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Is migraine easy to treat?

Migraine, a type of disorder that frequently occurs, causes substantial pain, with patients experiencing severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms. Generally, migraines are manageable and not particularly difficult to treat, although they are prone to recurrence. Treatment primarily consists of pharmacotherapy, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain relief, as well as specific medications such as triptans and ergot derivatives, all of which are highly effective. Some patients might also benefit from using benzodiazepines, which serve as sedatives and hypnotics, providing favorable outcomes. If migraines frequently disrupt life, preventive medications may be used to decrease their occurrence, including calcium channel blockers and antiepileptics, which are quite effective. (Note: The answer is for reference only. Take medications under the guidance of a professional physician, and do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Liu Yan Hao

Neurology

53sec

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What should I do about migraines?

Patients with migraines can temporarily take oral painkillers to alleviate the symptoms, provided that it has been confirmed as a migraine attack, and not a headache caused by acute cerebrovascular diseases such as cerebral hemorrhage or subarachnoid hemorrhage. Typically, before a migraine attack, there may be an aura symptom involving changes in vision, followed by unilateral headache. These symptoms can recur, usually lasting several hours, and they can subside on their own without medication. These are the symptoms of migraines. Generally, migraines do not pose a significant health risk, so patients can temporarily treat it with symptomatic oral pain relief. During remission, it is advisable to take preventive measures such as avoiding staying up late, not overworking, and reducing the frequency of migraine attacks as much as possible.