Understanding Migraines: Causes, Symptoms, and Triggers
- Reviewed by: Jasy Yin, NP — Licensed Nurse Practitioner specializing in women’s health and telehealth care.
The first time I had a migraine, I thought something was seriously wrong. The pain pulsed behind my eye, light felt unbearable, and even the quiet hum of my refrigerator sounded like thunder. It was more than a headache. It was a total disruption of my day.
If you have ever felt that way, you are not alone. Migraines are one of the most common neurological conditions in the world, affecting an estimated one in seven people. They can interfere with work, relationships, and daily activities, often leaving those affected physically and emotionally drained.
Understanding what a migraine is, what triggers it, and what symptoms to look for can help make sense of this complex condition.
What Is a Migraine?
A migraine is a type of headache disorder that involves changes in brain activity and nerve signaling. Unlike ordinary headaches, migraines typically cause intense, throbbing pain that can last for hours or even days.
Migraines are considered a neurological condition because they involve multiple systems in the body, including the brain, blood vessels, and nerves. They can also affect sensory perception, mood, and cognitive function.
Types of Migraines
Migraine without aura: The most common type, often involving one-sided head pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light or sound.
Migraine with aura: Includes temporary neurological symptoms before or during the headache phase, such as flashes of light, blind spots, or tingling sensations.
Chronic migraine: Occurs when a person experiences migraine symptoms on 15 or more days per month for at least three months.
While migraines can begin at any age, they often start during adolescence or early adulthood and are more common in women, partly due to hormonal factors.
What Causes Migraines?
The exact cause of migraines is not fully understood, but research suggests they result from complex interactions between brain chemicals, nerve pathways, and blood vessels.
During a migraine attack, brain cells may become overactive, triggering the release of chemicals such as serotonin and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). These chemicals affect blood vessel function and nerve communication, leading to inflammation and pain.
Possible Contributing Factors
Genetics: A family history of migraines increases the likelihood of developing them.
Hormones: Estrogen fluctuations during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause can trigger attacks.
Brain chemistry: Changes in neurotransmitters like serotonin may influence migraine development.
Environmental factors: Weather changes, bright lights, or strong odors can play a role.
Because migraines arise from a combination of biological and environmental influences, no single cause applies to everyone.
Common Migraine Triggers
Identifying what sets off a migraine can be challenging, since triggers often overlap. Still, certain factors are reported more frequently among those who experience migraines.
Frequent Triggers Include:
Stress: Emotional or physical stress can alter brain chemistry and blood flow.
Sleep changes: Too little or too much sleep can disrupt normal brain patterns.
Diet: Skipping meals or consuming trigger foods such as chocolate, caffeine, aged cheese, or processed meats.
Sensory stimuli: Bright lights, loud noises, or strong smells.
Hormonal shifts: Menstrual cycles and other hormonal fluctuations in women.
Weather: Rapid changes in humidity or barometric pressure.
Dehydration: Inadequate fluid intake can make headaches more likely.
Medication overuse: Frequent use of pain relievers can paradoxically lead to rebound headaches.
Not all triggers affect everyone. Keeping a headache diary can help individuals recognize personal patterns over time.
What Happens During a Migraine Attack?
Migraines often occur in stages, though not everyone experiences all of them.
Prodrome (Early Warning Stage): Subtle symptoms appear hours or days before the headache, such as food cravings, neck stiffness, irritability, or fatigue.
Aura (Optional Stage): Some people experience visual changes, tingling sensations, or difficulty speaking before pain begins.
Attack Stage: Intense head pain develops, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light and sound.
Postdrome (Recovery Stage): After the pain subsides, individuals may feel drained, confused, or unusually sensitive for up to a day.
Understanding these stages can help individuals recognize early signs and adjust activities accordingly.
Who Is Most Affected by Migraines?
Migraines can affect anyone, but some groups are more likely to experience them:
Women: Hormonal changes make migraines about three times more common in women than in men.
People with a family history: Genetics play a strong role in migraine risk.
Those with anxiety or depression: Stress-related conditions can influence migraine frequency.
Individuals with sleep irregularities: Poor sleep quality or inconsistent routines can be a contributing factor.
Migraines often peak during a person’s most active years, between ages 25 and 55, when balancing work and personal life can add additional stressors.
The Broader Impact of Migraines
Beyond physical pain, migraines can have emotional and social consequences. Frequent or severe migraines may lead to missed workdays, difficulty concentrating, or avoidance of certain environments due to light or sound sensitivity.
Living with a chronic condition can also affect mental health. Many people report feelings of frustration, isolation, or anxiety about when the next episode might occur. Recognizing these effects is an important part of understanding how deeply migraines can influence quality of life.
This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health.
Reviewed by: Jasy Yin, NP, Licensed Nurse Practitioner specializing in women’s health