Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Causes of migraine: brain and nerve changes, family history, hormones and common triggers like stress and sleep loss.
Migraine is a brain condition that causes repeated attacks of throbbing headache with other symptoms. The exact cause is not fully known. It runs in families and involves changes in brain activity, nerves and blood vessels.
What is thought to happen
During an attack, nerve cells become overactive and release chemicals, including serotonin and a protein called CGRP. This leads to pain signals and inflammation around blood vessels in the head.
Genes
About 4 in 10 people with migraine have a close relative with it. Several genes are linked, but no single gene explains it.
Common triggers
Triggers differ between people. They do not cause migraine but can start an attack in someone who has it.
Other factors
Women are affected more often than men, especially during the reproductive years. Obesity, depression, anxiety and sleep problems are linked to more frequent attacks.
Ayurvedic view
Ayurveda describes recurring half-sided head pain as Ardhavabhedaka, linked to Vata and Pitta imbalance. This is a traditional framework with limited modern evidence.
Key point
Migraine has biological roots, not just stress. A trigger diary helps find personal triggers.
Written By
Dr. Daksh
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
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