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Migraine
A migraine is a severe form of recurring headache. The pain is generally concentrated on one side of the head.
Although much about headaches still isn't understood, a key cause of a migraine is changes to the blood flow within the brain.
Blood vessels of the brain supply it with oxygen and nutrients.
Nerves, which are sensitive to pain, terminate in these vessels.
Certain triggers dilation and constrict these vessels.
The repeated dilation and constriction causes the nerve walls to stretch resulting in the discomfort of a migraine.
Triggers that can cause a migraine
- Stress and anger
- Certain smells, fumes, tobacco smoke, light glare, weather changes.
- Monthly periods, birth control pills, estrogen therapy.
- Too much, too little or interrupted sleep.
- Hunger, fasting, specific foods or beverages.
- Certain medications
Treatments include the symptomatic use of Aspirin, beta-blockers, tricyclics antidepressants, ergotamine derivatives, and selective-serotonin receptor agonists.
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