Migraine is a completely different and extremely severe condition from normal headaches. It starts on only one side of the head and then turns into a severe throbbing pain like something sitting inside the head. Due to this disorder that affects the nervous system, the main symptoms are increased pain when seeing light and hearing sound, nausea and vomiting. Here are the 5 main scientific reasons behind migraine headaches:
Chemical changes in the brain and serotonin deficiency: The most important scientific reason for migraine is the changes in the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. When the levels of the chemical serotonin, which helps our body calm down, suddenly decrease, the trigeminal nerve, the main nerve in the brain, is stimulated. This causes the blood vessels in the brain to dilate and causes chronic severe migraine pain.
Genetics: Science considers migraine to be a hereditary disease. If one of the parents has migraine, the risk of children developing it is 40 to 50 percent. If both parents have it, the risk increases to 75 percent. This is because the brain’s overreaction to external stimuli is genetically transmitted.
Hormonal Changes in Women: Migraines are three times more common in women than men. This is due to changes in the levels of the female hormone estrogen. A sharp drop in estrogen hormone, just before menstruation, during pregnancy, or during menopause, leads to severe migraine pain in women.
Certain foods and preservatives (Dietary Triggers): Some foods we eat can quickly increase migraines (Triggers). Tyramine, a chemical found in Chinese foods such as MSG (Monosodium Glutamate), processed meats, aged cheese, and dark chocolate, is a major culprit in causing migraines by constricting blood vessels. Artificial sweeteners and excessive alcohol consumption (especially red wine) are also causes.
Lifestyle changes and environmental triggers: Severe stress, not eating on time (sitting on an empty stomach can cause low blood sugar, which can increase migraines), and lack of sleep or excessive sleep can cause migraines. In addition, exposure to the intense heat of the sun, excessive light from mobile screens, loud car horns, and strong smells of perfumes can quickly awaken the nerves in the brain and cause headaches.