Migraine is a neurological disorder that causes intense, throbbing headaches, often accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.

According to the Migraine Research Foundation, approximately 12% of the population (including children) suffers from migraines, and women are three times more likely to experience them than men.

What Causes Migraines?

While the exact cause of migraines is not fully understood, experts believe that it is a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Here are some of the most common causes and risk factors associated with migraines:.

1. Hormonal Changes

Fluctuations in hormones, particularly estrogen, can trigger migraines in women. This is why many women experience migraines during their menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause.

2. Genetics

Migraines often run in families, meaning that people with a family history of migraines are more likely to develop them.

3. Age

Migraines can affect people of all ages, but they tend to peak in the 30s and gradually decrease in frequency and severity as people get older.

4. Stress

Stress is a significant trigger for migraines in many people. When the body is under stress, it releases chemicals that can cause inflammation and constrict blood vessels in the brain, leading to migraines.

5. Sleep Deprivation

Not getting enough sleep or having poor quality sleep can lead to migraines. This is because sleep helps regulate many of the body’s functions, including pain perception and inflammation.

6. Weather Changes

Sudden changes in weather, such as changes in barometric pressure or temperature, can trigger migraines in some people.

7. Certain Foods

There are many foods that can trigger migraines, including aged cheeses, alcohol (particularly red wine), chocolate, caffeine, citrus fruits, and foods containing MSG or nitrates.

8. Food Additives

Artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and other food additives can also trigger migraines in some people.

9. Dehydration

Not drinking enough water or other fluids can cause dehydration, which is a common trigger for migraines.

10. Medications

Some medications, including hormonal birth control, blood pressure medications, and antibiotics, can trigger migraines.

11. Exercise

Vigorous exercise or sudden changes in physical activity levels can trigger migraines in some people.

12. Sensory Triggers

Some people are sensitive to certain sensory stimuli, such as bright lights, strong smells, or loud noises, which can trigger migraines.

13. Sinus Issues

Chronic sinus problems or infections can lead to migraines in some people.

14. Jaw Problems

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and other jaw problems can cause tension headaches and migraines.

15. Eye Strain

Spending long hours in front of a computer or other digital screen can cause eye strain, which can trigger migraines.

16. Caffeine Withdrawal

People who regularly consume caffeine may experience migraines when they stop using it or reduce their intake.

17. Smoking

Chemicals in tobacco smoke can trigger migraines in some people.

18. Alcohol

Drinking alcohol, particularly in excess, can trigger migraines in some people.

19. Allergies

Some people are sensitive to environmental allergens, such as pollen or dust, which can trigger migraines.

20. Bright Lights

Staring at bright lights or being in a bright environment can trigger migraines in some people.

21. Loud Noises

Being in a loud environment or exposed to loud noises can trigger migraines in some people.

22. Low Blood Sugar

Drops in blood sugar levels can cause migraines in some people.

23. Menstrual Cycle

Changes in hormone levels during the menstrual cycle can trigger migraines in some women.

24. Birth Control Pills

Some women experience migraines as a side effect of taking hormonal birth control pills.

25. Physical Exertion

Intense physical activity, such as weightlifting or running, can trigger migraines in some people.

26. Skipping Meals

Skipping meals or fasting can cause drops in blood sugar levels, which can trigger migraines.

27. Sleeping Too Much

Getting too much sleep or having irregular sleep patterns can trigger migraines in some people.

28. Strong Smells

Strong smells, such as perfumes or cleaning products, can trigger migraines in some people.

29. Travel

Jet lag and other travel-related disruptions to sleep and eating patterns can trigger migraines in some people.

30. Vision Problems

Untreated vision problems, such as nearsightedness or farsightedness, can cause eye strain and trigger migraines.

31. Anxiety

Experiencing anxiety or other emotional stress can cause migraines in some people.

32. Depression

Depression can make people more susceptible to migraines, although it is not yet fully understood why.

33. Tension

Tension in the neck and shoulders can cause tension headaches, which are a type of migraine.

The Bottom Line

Migraines are a complex disorder that can have many different causes and risk factors. If you suffer from migraines, it is important to work with your healthcare provider to identify your triggers and develop a plan for managing your symptoms.