How do migraine headaches occur?
Migraine pain is caused by vasodilation of the arteries of the meninges (a thin tissue lining the brain). Migraine aura is caused by changes in the cerebral cortex. These two phenomena (pain and aura) are generated by the stimulation of certain neuronal nuclei in the brain stem. These are usually stimulated by external and internal factors. It is suspected that the cause of this whole process is mainly genetic.
The pain is typically intense, pulsatile, hemicranial, is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, phonophobia and photophobia and is greatly aggravated by physical activity. It is usually disabling. When aura occurs, it is usually visual: flashes, shadows or distorted areas are seen. Although aura can also produce language disturbances, loss of strength in extremities or tingling.
How do they differ from tension headaches?
Migraine differs from tension headache (better known as common headache) in that migraine is a much more intense pain and is accompanied by nausea and vomiting, so it is usually disabling.
On the other hand, tension headache is caused by muscle tension or contracture of the muscles of the scalp, skull and neck. The pain is oppressive or stabbing in different sites of the skull and neck. It is usually mild to moderate in degree and is rarely disabling. It usually improves with common analgesics.
When is a migraine a warning sign of neurological problems?
A migraine is a warning symptom of neurological problems, in the case of recent onset, i.e. the patient has never had migraines before in his life and they appear suddenly, especially if he is an elderly patient.
On the other hand, if aura is experienced for the first time: such as language alteration, vision alterations, paralysis of half of the body, etc. If this has also never occurred before, it would be an alarming symptom.
Finally, if the migraine lasts for a very long time, between 1 and 3 days, it would also be an alarm symptom. In these cases we should seek medical attention.
Daily habits that can promote the onset of migraines
First of all, the origin of migraine is genetic. Although it is true that the appearance of pain attacks is greatly influenced by external factors. In this sense, we classify migraine attack triggers into three fundamental factors:
- Lack of sleep.
- Stress or anxiety.
- Abuse of toxic substances, mainly alcohol.
Some patients are very reactive or sensitive to certain stimuli such as:
- Certain foods.
- Changes in atmospheric pressure.
- Certain odors.
Triggers are multiple and varied but also unique to each patient.