Most people experience headaches at least occasionally, whilst some suffer frequently. Approximately a quarter of all people will suffer from migraine at some time in their lives. Very often they start in childhood, or by the age of 20 to 35, and disappear as we get older.

     Despite much research, it is still not absolutely known which of several possible mechanisms is responsible for causing migraine. Even with the technically advanced use of specialized tests, there is still some debate. There are thought to be several main factors that can trigger a migraine, however.

Stress chemicals such as adrenaline and catecholamines

     Stress chemicals cause the release of a chemical called serotonin from specialized blood cells called platelets. This chemical causes blood vessels to constrict, resulting in a reduced oxygen flow to parts of the brain. A rebound defence reflex occurs that causes an increase in blood flow, causing pressure on the nerves and also a release of a substance that triggers pain, known as substance P.

Food and other allergens, including pollutants

     Food intolerance and other toxins may trigger a stress chemical response as described above. A specific group of proteins known as amines that are found in alcohol, chocolate and cheese can all trigger attacks by directly causing vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels). The list of foods that have been found in many trials to cause problems is very long but isolating your food ‘triggers’ is necessary.

Structural

     Any problem that can affect cranial blood flow may be relevant and malposition of the cranial bones, especially the jaw joint (known as the temporomandibular joint), is common. Check with your dentist or cranial osteopath.

Hormonal Imbalances

     Hormonal changes found in a normal female cycle, or imbalances, can trigger headache or migraine.

     Headaches can also be caused by constipation and intestinal disturbances. Putrefactive processes develop gases which enter the liver through the portal vein and, from there, find their way into the bloodstream. Headaches frequently result because the nerve and brain cells are affected by the poisons circulating in the blood. Abdominal troubles and diseases can also trigger headaches.

     Overwork tends to erode one’s nervous energy or cause muscular tension and this may start a headache too. Headache experts estimate that about 90 percent of all headaches are tension headaches and 6 percent are migraines. Tension headaches, as the name implies, are causes by muscular tension.

High or low blood pressure can trigger headaches.

Other causes include tiredness, weather changes and eye ‘strain’.

     Trauma to the head, perhaps from the past, needs to be investigated. Check with a cranial osteopath.

     Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar, hunger) is a common cause of headache.

     Withdrawal symptoms from tobacco or coffee can precipitate a headache within a few hours of the last ‘fix’.

Exposure to irritants such as pollution, perfume or after-shaves.

Sinus pressure and inflammation can be the culprit.

     Anaemia needs to be ruled out, as does tooth-grinding, toxic overdoses of vitamin A, vitamin B deficiency, and diseases of the eye, nose and throat.