The mechanisms that cause a migraine attack remained unknown for many years. Nowadays, scientific research is gradually gaining partial insights into the mechanisms that initiate migraine headaches. Understanding the exact pattern of migraine makes it possible to develop drugs with a very specific focus on migraine.
How does a migraine attack start?
Under the influence of a trigger (e.g., a food component), your brains will secrete a certain substance, 'amines'
. These so-called 'amines' act as messengers and stimulate the blood vessels that surround the brain. These blood vessels will expand, which increases blood supply. The substances, transported by the blood to the trigeminal nerve
, cause pain and possibly other symptoms, like loss of sight, nausea, drowsiness, etc…
In some people who are susceptible to migraine, this series of reactions may be set in motion when some part of the brain becomes 'over-excited' by a particular stimulus or 'migraine trigger factor'. Different migraineurs may have different trigger factors, but included among common trigger factors are the everyday foods and drinks listed below:
- Chocolate
- Alcohol
- Cheese and other dairy products
- Coffee and tea (caffeine)
- Citrus and fruit juices
- Seafood
- Onions
- Pork
- Monosodium glutamate, which is often found in a lot of Chinese food
- Nitrates, which may appear in processed foods
- Aspartame sweetener
Not all migraine sufferers are food sensitive. Some find their attacks may be triggered by the hormonal changes associated with menstruation (a period), the menopause, taking the contraceptive pill or using hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Emotional upset or excitement, hunger, including dieting and religious fasting, medication (prescription and over-the-counter remedies), environmental factors such as a change in weather, altitude or time zone, the smell of strong perfumes or air fresheners or simply fatigue are other recognised triggers.
