What causes migraines?

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on September 21, 2024
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Migraine is a very common type of headache, particularly among young people. The specific causes and mechanisms of migraine are not very clear at present. The main reasons are attributed to the following: First, vascular dysregulation, where abnormalities in the contraction and dilation of brain blood vessels can disrupt the regulation of blood supply to the brain, leading to headache attacks. Second, abnormal neuron discharges, where some people experience unusual discharges in the neurons of the cerebral cortex, causing migraines. Third, some experts believe that issues with the trigeminal ganglion can cause migraines. Additionally, migraines are closely related to excessive tension, anxiety, depression, poor sleep, and poor physical condition. Therefore, migraine sufferers should pay attention to rest, ensure good sleep, maintain a stable mood, and avoid excessive stress.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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What to eat for migraine?

Patients with migraines, when suffering from an attack, need to take some medications for treatment. Commonly used medications include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers, which are effective for many patients. Additionally, specific anti-migraine drugs, such as ergot preparations, can also be used. Dietary considerations are also important; it is recommended that migraine sufferers eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits to help supplement sufficient folic acid and vitamins, which have a very beneficial impact on blood vessels, because migraines are caused by vascular dysfunction. Furthermore, eating foods rich in B vitamins, such as lean meats, rice, millet, and sorghum is advisable. Migraine patients should avoid eating pickled foods, cheese, or chocolate.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Can migraines cause vomiting?

Patients with migraines may experience vomiting, which is one of the most common complications of migraines. The occurrence of vomiting in migraines is mainly because the headache may affect the vomiting center in the brainstem, such as affecting the solitary nucleus. Damage to the solitary nucleus can lead to gastrointestinal dysfunction and result in vomiting. Many patients find that their headache symptoms are alleviated after vomiting. In terms of treatment, on one hand, it is necessary to correct the occurrence of migraines, mainly by administering pain relief medications and allowing the patient to rest in a quiet environment. For vomiting, antiemetic medications can be given to the patient, either orally or by muscle injection. Most patients show significant clinical improvement after treatment. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Liu Yan Hao
Neurology
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Does a migraine hurt a lot?

Migraine is a severe type of headache, but generally does not last long and usually does not come with symptoms of limb weakness or nausea and vomiting. It often resolves on its own after a few hours, even without treatment. Typical migraine attacks often have some precursory symptoms related to vision changes, such as blurred vision, distorted shapes, or the appearance of water-like ripples; these symptoms are followed shortly by headaches, either on one side or both sides of the head. Migraines do not generally have a major impact on one's health. During an attack, taking ibuprofen sustained-release capsules can help alleviate the pain. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid staying up late and overworking. Certain foods, such as pickled products, salty vegetables, and nitrates, can trigger migraines; some dairy products and red wine can also provoke headaches, so it is best to avoid these foods to prevent migraines.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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How long will it take for the migraine to get better?

Migraine is very prevalent among young and middle-aged people, with sufferers usually experiencing unilateral, though sometimes bilateral, pulsating headaches. These may accompany a sensitivity to light and sound, along with significant nausea and vomiting. Typically, migraines resolve within 4-72 hours, meaning recovery generally occurs within three days. If it doesn’t resolve within three days, it’s referred to as a status migrainosus. During an acute migraine episode, it is important to rest, ensure adequate sleep, consume more fruits, and take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for treatment. Specific pain relievers such as triptans may also be used, and concurrent complications should be addressed. Furthermore, if migraines recur frequently, prophylactic treatment with medications like beta-blockers may be considered. (Please consult a professional physician before taking any medication.)

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Written by Liu Yan Hao
Neurology
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How to relieve a migraine?

When a migraine occurs, one can temporarily take some painkillers for symptomatic treatment, which can quickly alleviate the pain. The prerequisite is to ensure that it is indeed a migraine. Typically, before a migraine starts, there are some precursor symptoms related to vision where one might experience blurred vision, distorted vision, or see wave-like patterns in front of their eyes. The headache symptoms often follow these visual symptoms after a short duration. Migraines can recur, and even without treatment, some may completely resolve within a few hours, which is typical of migraines. The occurrence of a migraine generally does not have a major impact on one's health, so one can take painkillers for symptomatic treatment. Additionally, it is advisable to avoid staying up late and overworking. Foods such as pickled products, cheese, and red wine should also be avoided as much as possible, as they can trigger migraine attacks.