A migraine is a sudden and violent headache attack. Some sufferers feel an announcement of the migraine attack and can therefore take the appropriate medication in time. Often enough, however, migraines come without warning.
The migraine gets worse with movement and is usually accompanied by sensitivity to light, noise, nausea to vomiting, loss of appetite and total exhaustion. These accompanying symptoms are the reason for the patient’s withdrawal with included stopping in dark, quiet rooms and usually in a lying position to avoid any movement. The pain in the head is described as extremely unpleasant with the feeling that someone is “chiseling” into the head.
The causes of migraine are still not fully understood. A genetic predisposition is often discussed as well as a serotonin balance disorder. Serotonin is a messenger substance that carries information from one cell to another.
Serotonin is commonly known as a happiness hormone and is important for the transmission of pain. In migraines, it is assumed that there is a too low serotonin level in the periphery and a too high serotonin level in the brain. This imbalance can trigger a migraine attack.
It is also suspected that there is an extreme short-term serotonin deficiency, which causes a change in pain sensitivity. A serotonin deficiency over a long period of time is also a cause of depression. You can read the corresponding article about physiotherapy for depression.
The most common trigger factors for migraine are the so-called trigger factors . These trigger factors are key factors that can trigger a migraine. The most typical factors are: Alcohol, strong odors (perfume, food, nicotine), too little sleep, extremely loud or disturbing noises, stress, hecticness.
Especially certain foods, especially those with a lot of histamine, can be the cause of migraine. In general, more women than men are affected, and migraines can often occur or even disappear as a result of a hormonal surge (pregnancy, menstruation, menopause). The article Exercises for headaches in pregnancy might be of further interest to you in this respect. Migraines can also be caused by a growth spurt.
