What causes migraine?

Migraine is not a psychological problem! It is a recognised neurological condition. The root cause is still unknown but is thought to involve abnormal functioning of certain components of nerve cells, such as particular ion channels and receptors. These abnormalities affect how the brain processes normal information such as pain, light and sound.

A number of mechanisms play a part:

Changes in brain chemicals

At the beginning of an attack, scientists have noted changes in the levels of the neuro-chemical serotonin in the brain. These changes bring about other changes in the electrical patterns in the brain (giving rise to the aura) and in the blood vessels (when blood vesels narrow, giving rise to the headache element of an attack). Why all this happens is a mystery, but scientists are getting closer to locating what they are now terming the 'Migraine generator', located within the brain stem.

Genetic factors

Genetic factors can act to lower the "migraine threshold" at which attacks occur. It is accepted that migraine runs in families. 60% of migraineurs have a positive family history with the mother being the most commonly affected relative.

Trigger Factors

Trigger Factors do not cause migraine as such but can bring about individual attacks in people who are already susceptible to it.