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The causes of migraine are not yet clear, and there are various theories to explain its origin. But mounting evidence suggests that it is due to circulatory system disorders, where pain is produced by the constriction and subsequent dilation of the blood vessels of the leptomeninges (one of the brain's membrane coverings).
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The attacks are brought on by triggering factors such as:
- Stress
- Diet. Certain foods can induce migraine because they contain substances that affect the blood vessels. The foods most often implicated in migraine attacks are chocolate, processed meats, ripe cheese and red wine.
- Hormones. Hormonal changes during the premenstrual period or in menopause often lead to migraine attacks. Oral contraceptive medications can also induce headaches.
- Environmental factors. Changes in the weather or atmospheric pressure, pollution, exposure to sunlight, travel across time zones.
- Noise and odors. Loud noise and intense odors can trigger headaches in individuals predisposed to migraine.
- Changes in the sleep-wake cycle. Sleeping too much or too little can cause "weekend headache." This type of headache occurs typically with changes in habitual daily rhythms.
Migraine is a hereditary disorder, particularly in women. People whose mothers suffer from migraine are more at risk.
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