Amazingly, the precise cause of migraines
is still unknown. These intense headaches –
often on one side and accompanied by nausea
and sometimes visions of zigzag lines and
extreme sensitivity to light and noise – must
be caused by abnormal brain activity. But we
just don’t know what kind or whether there
are many different causes.
Hormonal fluctuations, especially
in oestrogen, can trigger migraines,
so some women suffer more during
menstruation, pregnancy or menopause.
Certain foods and additives can also
cause migraines, while people who
diet, skip meals or consume a lot of
caffeine can suffer. Disturbed sleep
and jetlag can also cause them.
One rare inherited type called
familial hemiplegic migraine is
caused by four specific gene
mutations. More common types are also
associated with many different genes that
affect brain function. The simplest answer
lies in the family. Up to 90 per cent of
sufferers have a family history of migraines.