What causes migraines?

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on March 24, 2025
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Migraine is a relatively common disease, and the possible causes of this disease are as follows: First, it may be related to genetics, with about 60% of migraines being familial, which strongly suggests that genes may be significantly related to the onset of migraines; Second, it is also clearly related to certain internal environments and hormone levels. For example, some women experience migraine attacks during menstruation. Additionally, the triggers for attacks also include drinking alcohol, consuming vasodilator drugs, eating chocolate, and consuming food additives containing sodium glutamate. The pathogenesis of this disease is not yet very clear, and it may be related to vascular dysfunction.

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Written by Feng Ying Shuai
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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Which part to massage for migraine?

Migraine is a clinical symptom where the patient perceives pain. Which areas should we massage? This depends on specific clinical symptoms of the patient. For example, if the pain occurs in the forehead, we would select acupuncture points on the forehead such as Yangbai and Zanzhu, including Sizhukong and Jingming. For distal points, we can choose Neiting to massage. Of course, if the pain is at the top of the head, we can select local points like Baihui and Tongtian, and choose Xingjian for distal points for massage. If the pain is on the sides of the head, we would select the wrist bone and Sizhukong, and then choose Waiguan for distal massage.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Migraine vertigo symptoms

There is a special type of migraine called vestibular migraine, where the main symptoms during an attack are significant dizziness, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and unsteady walking. A headache may or may not occur. This type of migraine-induced dizziness is relatively common in clinical practice, and patients generally experience severe dizziness, along with pale complexion and cold sweats among other clinical symptoms. The treatment for the dizziness caused by this type of migraine primarily follows the treatment protocols for migraine attacks, and may include taking certain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain medications. Additionally, administering calcium channel blockers and antiemetic medications can also achieve very good results. Furthermore, some sedative medications can also be used and can improve the patient's symptoms.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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How to relieve a migraine?

Migraine is one of the most prevalent diseases among the population, mainly characterized by unilateral pulsating headaches, which can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The main ways to alleviate a migraine attack are: First, maintain a stable mood without too much emotional fluctuation, ensure bed rest, and rest in a quiet environment. Second, if the migraine is severe, you can take some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers for treatment, which mostly have good effects. If the results are unsatisfactory, some specific ergot pain relievers can be used for relief. Third, treat the symptoms accordingly. If there are obvious symptoms of nausea and vomiting, you can orally take or receive muscle injections of painkillers for treatment. Generally, after these treatments, there will be a significant relief from the migraine.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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How long will it take for the migraine to get better?

Migraine is very prevalent among young and middle-aged people, with sufferers usually experiencing unilateral, though sometimes bilateral, pulsating headaches. These may accompany a sensitivity to light and sound, along with significant nausea and vomiting. Typically, migraines resolve within 4-72 hours, meaning recovery generally occurs within three days. If it doesn’t resolve within three days, it’s referred to as a status migrainosus. During an acute migraine episode, it is important to rest, ensure adequate sleep, consume more fruits, and take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for treatment. Specific pain relievers such as triptans may also be used, and concurrent complications should be addressed. Furthermore, if migraines recur frequently, prophylactic treatment with medications like beta-blockers may be considered. (Please consult a professional physician before taking any medication.)

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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What should I do if I always have migraines?

Migraine is a disease that severely affects quality of life. During a migraine attack, patients experience moderate to severe headaches, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, photophobia, phonophobia, and daily life is severely affected. Activities such as climbing stairs can progressively worsen the headache. If migraines occur frequently and severely affect daily life, it is advisable to undergo preventive treatment. Preventive medications primarily fall into three categories: the first category includes receptor blockers, the second category consists mainly of anti-epileptic drugs, and the third category comprises calcium channel blockers. These medications can effectively prevent the onset of migraines and can be taken under the advice of a doctor. Additionally, it is important to maintain a stable mood and ensure adequate sleep to prevent the onset of migraines.