What is a Migraine?
A migraine is usually described as an intense pulsing or throbbing pain in one area of the head that can last for hours or even days. The pounding or pulsing pain usually begins in the forehead, the side of the head or around the eyes. (Family Doctor, 2014) The International Headache Society diagnoses a migraine by its pain and number of attacks (at least 5, lasting 4-72 hours if untreated), and additional symptoms including nausea and/or vomiting, or sensitivity to both light and sound. (NINDS, 2015)
The difference between Migraines and Headaches
Headaches and migraines are not the same thing, but what’s the difference? Headaches are unpleasant pains in your head that can cause pressure and aching. They can range from mild …show more content…
It is now believed that genetics and environmental factors play a role. Changes in the brainstem and how it interacts with the trigeminal nerve, a major pain pathway, may cause migraines. Imbalances in brain chemicals such as serotonin, which helps regulate pain in your nervous system, may also be involved. Studies show serotonin levels drop during migraine attacks. When serotonin levels fall, the blood vessels dilate (swell). The drop in serotonin levels may also cause your trigeminal system to release substances called neuropeptides, which travel to your brain 's outer covering (meninges), resulting in headache pain. The drop in serotonin levels is thought to be due to a variety of different triggers such as anxiety, stress, lack of food or sleep, exposure to light, and hormonal changes in women. (Mayo Clinic, 2013) Genetics, gender, and age also have a role in how susceptible a person is to having migraines. Studies show that you are much more likely to have migraines if one or both of your parents had migraines. Women are also more likely than men to have migraines. And most people who suffer from migraines have their first migraine during adolescence. (Family Doctor, 2014) Research is currently being done all around the world to identify what causes migraines, it is however more likely there is no singular cause for migraines and it is a number of different variables playing a
A migraine is usually described as an intense pulsing or throbbing pain in one area of the head that can last for hours or even days. The pounding or pulsing pain usually begins in the forehead, the side of the head or around the eyes. (Family Doctor, 2014) The International Headache Society diagnoses a migraine by its pain and number of attacks (at least 5, lasting 4-72 hours if untreated), and additional symptoms including nausea and/or vomiting, or sensitivity to both light and sound. (NINDS, 2015)
The difference between Migraines and Headaches
Headaches and migraines are not the same thing, but what’s the difference? Headaches are unpleasant pains in your head that can cause pressure and aching. They can range from mild …show more content…
It is now believed that genetics and environmental factors play a role. Changes in the brainstem and how it interacts with the trigeminal nerve, a major pain pathway, may cause migraines. Imbalances in brain chemicals such as serotonin, which helps regulate pain in your nervous system, may also be involved. Studies show serotonin levels drop during migraine attacks. When serotonin levels fall, the blood vessels dilate (swell). The drop in serotonin levels may also cause your trigeminal system to release substances called neuropeptides, which travel to your brain 's outer covering (meninges), resulting in headache pain. The drop in serotonin levels is thought to be due to a variety of different triggers such as anxiety, stress, lack of food or sleep, exposure to light, and hormonal changes in women. (Mayo Clinic, 2013) Genetics, gender, and age also have a role in how susceptible a person is to having migraines. Studies show that you are much more likely to have migraines if one or both of your parents had migraines. Women are also more likely than men to have migraines. And most people who suffer from migraines have their first migraine during adolescence. (Family Doctor, 2014) Research is currently being done all around the world to identify what causes migraines, it is however more likely there is no singular cause for migraines and it is a number of different variables playing a