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
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Which department should I go to for migraines?

Patients with migraines should visit the neurology department for treatment. Typical migraines often begin with an aura that changes how one sees things before an attack. After the aura appears, symptoms of pain on one side of the head may occur, usually resolving completely within a few hours. These symptoms can recur, and during an attack, symptomatic oral pain relievers can be used for treatment. To prevent migraines, one should avoid staying up late and consuming pickled foods, which contain nitrates that can trigger migraine attacks. Leftovers also contain nitrates and can induce migraines, so it's best to avoid them as well. Additionally, red wine and dairy products can trigger migraines and should be avoided. Overall, since migraines are a neurological disorder, it is advisable to seek treatment in the neurology department.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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How to suppress migraine and vomiting?

Patients with migraines typically experience unilateral or bilateral pulsating headaches. During severe headache episodes, they often experience significant symptoms of nausea and vomiting. This is because migraines can disrupt autonomic nervous function, and some neural nuclei in the brainstem emit impulses that cause nausea and vomiting. The treatment for vomiting includes the following aspects: First, patients should rest and avoid consuming foods that are hard to digest or are very tough. Second, patients can take orally or receive muscle injections of medications that treat vomiting, primarily those that promote gastrointestinal motility. Third, treating the migraine itself involves providing the patient with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain relief. Once the headache is alleviated, the nausea and vomiting will naturally subside.

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Written by Zhang Hui
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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
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Can I wash my hair if I have a migraine?

Patients with migraines should avoid washing their hair during an attack. Water that is too hot or too cold can stimulate the dilation or spasm of cerebral blood vessels, potentially worsening migraine symptoms. Therefore, it is advised not to wash hair during a migraine attack, though it is fine during remission periods. During a migraine attack, symptomatic oral pain relievers and medications to alleviate vascular spasms can be used for treatment. It is important to prevent migraines by avoiding staying up late and overexertion. Additionally, certain foods known to trigger migraines should be avoided, including foods containing nitrites such as leftovers, pickled vegetables, and other preserved foods which may contain nitrites. Foods like red wine and cheese can also trigger migraines and should be consumed with caution. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Liu Yan Hao
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Can migraines be hereditary?

Migraines are not hereditary and are not considered genetic diseases. The onset of migraines is mainly associated with staying up late, fatigue, and the consumption of certain foods that can trigger migraines, such as foods containing nitrites. This includes pickled vegetables, overnight foods, leftover meals, and leftover vegetables, as these contain nitrites, which can trigger migraine attacks. Other triggers include certain dairy products and red wine. To reduce the frequency of migraine episodes, it is advisable to avoid these foods and not to stay up late. When a migraine attack occurs, temporary relief can be sought through oral painkillers. Regular scheduling and avoiding the aforementioned foods can significantly reduce the number of migraine episodes. Therefore, migraines are not hereditary and do not constitute a genetic disease. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician, and do not self-medicate.)