Over 1.2 billion people suffer from migraines worldwide, and they are one of the most common causes of disability. This neurological disorder is poorly understood despite its prevalence. Scientists are uncovering biological mechanisms that cause migraines. They can now separate early symptoms from triggers and find new treatment options.
The Personal Experience with Migraine
The symptoms of migraines can be very different. I, and others, feel a liquid, dull pain that can spread to the face, cause pulsation or even burn. In the early stages, you may experience sensitivity to movement, light or smell. Untreated pain will worsen and return after the medication has worn off.
What Has Made Migraine Study Difficult?
Over the centuries, migraines have been dismissed as “a women’s condition,” which has delayed serious research. Stigma and inadequate funding have slowed progress, despite the fact that three quarters of migraine patients are women. Even though migraine is a serious neurological condition, it remains poorly researched compared with other conditions. A 44-year old migraine patient costs the UK government an extra PS19.823 (about $27,300), totaling PS12bn (17bn).
The symptoms are wide-ranging
A migraine attack is more than just pain. Some of the symptoms include nausea, vertigo and stomach problems. About 25% of people have visual auras. Others experience yawning or fatigue.
Triggers and symptoms
In fact, common triggers like chocolate, cheese or caffeine as well as alcohol, stress and lack of sleep could be the early warning signs that an attack is coming on. Premonitory migraine symptoms could include cravings for certain foods. Brain scans reveal that certain areas of the cortex become sensitive during this early stage, including those involved in vision and smell. This explains why people may associate scents or light with migraine attacks.
Genetic Link
The genetics of migraine are important. Some of these also affect depression, diabetes and brain structure. Finding genes that can directly influence treatment is still a difficult task.
Brain Function
Cortical spreading depression, also known as migraines, may be caused by abnormal brain electrical waves. These waves disturb normal brain activity and activate pain receptors. They also release inflammation molecules. It explains a variety of symptoms, including fatigue and food cravings.
Migraine and Blood Vessels
The blood vessels play an important role. While there is abnormal dilation during migraine attacks, this may not be the actual cause. Although drugs that target blood vessels may relieve migraine pain, the cause of migraines is not solely vascular.
The conclusion of the article is:
It is difficult to understand migraines because they are complex and involve genetics, systemic reactions, and brain activity. Research into genes, cortical wave patterns, and early warning signals is vital for improving treatments for migraine sufferers.
