Let’s Talk About Migraines

Morning!

Some days glide by. Others show up with a migraine, uninvited, like a toxic ex in your nervous system. This isn’t your average headache. Migraines are full-scale neurological meltdowns with zero respect for your plans.

In this issue, we’re digging into what migraines actually are, why science is still kind of confused, and what might help keep them from running your life.

Sufferers, supporters, and curious lurkers, welcome. Let’s get into it!

CORE

Migraine vs. Headache

Now here’s where things get tricky. Not too long ago the generally accepted theory as to why they occur was due to vasodilation (the expansion of blood vessels in the brain). However, in recent years there have been more causes that have been added to the list. While these aren’t truly the root causes behind migraines, they are mechanisms by which they appear, which helps us understand it.

One such addition is Cortical Spreading Depression (CSD). This is a slow-moving wave of hyperactive nerve firing in the brain where nerve cells suddenly become very active, then quickly quiet down. This wave travels across the brain’s surface and is thought to cause the visual or sensory changes people notice before a migraine, called the migraine aura.

Then there’s neuroinflammation. Inflammatory responses in the brain cause blood vessels to dilate, nerves to become irritated, and pain to spike. It’s your nervous system flipping all the wrong switches at once.

And yes, genetics matter. As always our genetic heritage plays a relatively important role in important health issues that impact our day to day life. Although not a determining factor, people with migraines do exhibit brains that are more sensitive to stimuli like light, sound or stress. 

Common Triggers

Triggers are unique to each person, but patterns do emerge. Hormonal changes, particularly the drop in estrogen before a menstrual cycle, are one of the most common. Sleep disruption is another big one. Both too little and too much sleep can create an imbalance that sets a migraine in motion.

Stress plays a major role, especially the kind that builds up and then suddenly drops off. Many people report migraines after a high-stress event ends, not during it.

Diet is a common culprit as well. Foods like red wine, chocolate, aged cheese, and anything high in nitrates or tyramine can be problematic. Caffeine can be helpful in small doses but triggering when overused or suddenly withdrawn. Skipping meals or going too long without eating is a mistake for anyone, but especially for those prone to migraines.

Dehydration, especially without proper electrolyte intake, can be a major trigger, not because of the water itself, but because the brain needs specific minerals to regulate nerve signals. Without them, things start to misfire.

There are a lot more, but you get the picture. It is important to note that these triggers don’t cause the migraine but they expose it.

ENDNOTE

Final Thoughts

Hopefully this proved useful for those who battle migraines. There is a lot of information here, so if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us!

Until next week!