If you suffer from migraines, you are not alone. Migraines affect about 12% of the global population. These severe headaches are often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, and other symptoms.

Migraines can last for hours or days, and they often interfere with a person’s ability to carry out normal daily activities.

Despite the prevalence of migraines, the exact cause of these headaches remains unclear. However, modern science has shed some light on what happens in the brain during a migraine attack.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the science behind migraines and what researchers are doing to develop more effective treatments.

The Triggers of Migraines

While the exact cause of migraines is not clear, there are certain triggers that are known to increase the risk of developing migraines. These triggers include:.

Stress
Drastic weather changes
Lack of sleep
Changes in hormone levels
Food additives like aspartame and MSG
Alcohol consumption
Dehydration
Bright lights or loud sounds

Any one of these triggers can cause a migraine attack, but it’s often a combination of triggers that leads to a headache.

The Role of Neurotransmitters in Migraines

Neurotransmitters are chemicals that transmit signals between nerve cells in the brain. Researchers have found that levels of certain neurotransmitters are altered during a migraine attack.

Specifically, levels of serotonin decrease, while levels of glutamate increase. This disruption in the balance of neurotransmitters can cause the blood vessels in the brain to expand and contract, leading to the pain and other symptoms associated with migraines.

The Genetics of Migraines

Studies have shown that there is a genetic component to migraines. People who have a family history of migraines are more likely to develop migraines themselves.

Researchers have identified specific genes that are associated with an increased risk of migraines. One of these genes is responsible for making a protein called calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP).

This protein is involved in the regulation of pain and inflammation, and researchers are currently developing drugs that target CGRP as a potential treatment for migraines.

The Importance of Brain Imaging in Migraine Research

In recent years, advances in brain imaging technology have allowed researchers to study the brains of people with migraines in real time.

This has led to several important discoveries about the neurological mechanisms that are involved in migraine attacks.

One study used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate changes in the brain during a migraine attack.

The study found that the part of the brain that controls visual processing, called the visual cortex, became overexcited during a migraine attack. This overexcitement may be what causes the sensitivity to light that many people experience during a migraine.

New Treatments for Migraines

The current treatments for migraines include pain-relieving medication and preventive medication. However, these treatments are not always effective, and they can cause side effects.

That’s why researchers are working on developing new treatments that target the underlying neurological mechanisms of migraines.

One promising new treatment is a class of drugs called CGRP inhibitors. As mentioned earlier, CGRP is a protein that is involved in pain and inflammation, and it is elevated during a migraine attack.

CGRP inhibitors work by blocking the action of CGRP, which can prevent or reduce the severity of migraines.

Another new treatment is neuromodulation, which involves using electrical or magnetic stimulation to alter the activity in the brain.

There are several types of neuromodulation that are being studied for the treatment of migraines, including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS).

The Future of Migraine Research

While there is still much to be learned about the causes and mechanisms of migraines, researchers are making strides in developing new treatments that may offer relief to the millions of people who suffer from these debilitating headaches.

By understanding the neurological basis of migraines, scientists may eventually be able to develop a cure for this condition.