Hormonal medications, such as oral contraceptives, also can worsen migraines. Fluctuations in estrogen, such as before or during menstrual periods, pregnancy and menopause, seem to trigger headaches in many women.

There are a number of migraine triggers, including: Other neurotransmitters play a role in the pain of migraine, including calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). Researchers are studying the role of serotonin in migraines. So might imbalances in brain chemicals - including serotonin, which helps regulate pain in your nervous system. Though migraine causes aren't fully understood, genetics and environmental factors appear to play a role.Д¬hanges in the brainstem and its interactions with the trigeminal nerve, a major pain pathway, might be involved. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic Causes A chronic headache that is worse after coughing, exertion, straining or a sudden movement.Headache with fever, stiff neck, confusion, seizures, double vision, numbness or weakness in any part of the body, which could be a sign of a stroke.An abrupt, severe headache like a thunderclap.See your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room if you have any of the following signs and symptoms, which could indicate a more serious medical problem: Then make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your headaches.Д®ven if you have a history of headaches, see your doctor if the pattern changes or your headaches suddenly feel different. If you regularly have signs and symptoms of migraine, keep a record of your attacks and how you treated them. Migraines are often undiagnosed and untreated. Sudden head movement might bring on the pain again briefly. Sensitivity to light, sound, and sometimes smell and touchДЄfter a migraine attack, you might feel drained, confused and washed out for up to a day.Pain usually on one side of your head, but often on both sides.Migraines might occur rarely or strike several times a month. How often migraines occur varies from person to person. Weakness or numbness in the face or one side of the bodyДЄ migraine usually lasts from 4 to 72 hours if untreated.

Pins and needles sensations in an arm or leg.Visual phenomena, such as seeing various shapes, bright spots or flashes of light.Each symptom usually begins gradually, builds up over several minutes and can last up to 60 minutes. They're usually visual but can also include other disturbances. Auras are reversible symptoms of the nervous system. Mood changes, from depression to euphoriaДЇor some people, an aura might occur before or during migraines.One or two days before a migraine, you might notice subtle changes that warn of an upcoming migraine, including: Not everyone who has migraines goes through all stages. Migraines, which affect children and teenagers as well as adults, can progress through four stages: prodrome, aura, attack and post-drome.

Migraine associated vertigo