The Science Behind Migraines

Suffering from migraine is a common condition today, affecting about 10% of people worldwide. Those who have ever experienced it at least just once all know how excruciating it can be, often ruining a whole day and even medication cannot relieve pain. Though the causes of migraine are still unknown despite the continuous researches, now we tell you the science behind it.

What is a migraine?

Migraine is way much more than a simple headache – nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances and sensitivity to light, sounds and smells are the most frequent symptoms. Sometimes pain affects only the half of the brain, sometimes the entire head along with the neck. Depending on the patient and the response to medication, migraines can last for a few hours or even for a few days.

The science behind migraines

According to the latest research updates, it is obvious that chemical compounds and hormones like serotonin and estrogen have a significant role in pain sensitivity for migraine sufferers. Therefore, migraines are considered to be linked to serotonin, a neurotransmitter found in the gastrointestinal tract, blood plates and the central nervous system of human body, contributing to feelings of well-being and mood. The decrease of serotonin levels causes the narrowing of blood vessels in the cortex, as a result of brain-spasming. The reason of severe headache is hence the rapidly widening response of blood vessels.

What can cause migraine?

The most common reasons and situations when migraine appears are:

  • Stress and other intense emotions
  • Fatigue and radical changes in sleeping habits
  • Biological conditions, like hormonal shifts (common side effects of hormonal contraception for women)
  • Glaring or flickering lights
  • Weather changes
  • Certain foods and drink

How to combat migraine?

Since the main cause of migraine is still quite unclear today, all we can do is to try relieving the pain as much as possible, with symptomatic treatments. There are several pharmaceutical products specifically developed for migraines of different intense, depending on the severity of pain. Otherwise, there are a few non-pharmaceutical hacks that help control migraines or avoid them entirely. The most important is to always pay attention to the adequate amount of daily water intake. Besides, providing the necessary sleep and reduce stress are indispensable, along with regulating eating habits. Finally, committed, regular exercise and meditation are vital not only to get rid of migraine, but to maintain overall health too.

It is known that besides all the tips we mentioned above to better migraines, Botox can also improve them. If you have any doubts, read our previous blog post about a success story, or book an appointment with our experts on info@cocoonmedicalspa.com.