Migraines are the most common form of a vascular headache, an intense throbbing in the head caused by an abnormal function of the brain's blood vessels. Intense pain at the front of the head, around the temples, or behind one eye or ear. Beyond the pain, migraine headaches during a typical migraine “attack,” the sufferer experiences can cause nausea, vomiting and blurred vision. A person suffering a migraine often becomes highly sensitive to light, sound and odors, feels lightheaded, cold and sweaty, and suffers from fatigue and loss of appetite. Migraines can strike at any time, though morning appears to be the most frequent time for their onset. Women are three times more likely to get migraines than men. The headaches lean to begin between the ages of 10 and 55 and may operate in families. At least 60 percent of women with a story of migraines have less migraine during their 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy.

There are many researches about what causes migraines, but none have been proven with certainty. One hypothesis traces migraines to improper blood vessel action in the mind and the departure of the chemical serotonin. When serotonin levels are high, blood vessels constrict, which leads to vision problems or dizziness; when serotonin levels are low, blood vessels expand, pressing nearby nerves which causes pain. Another theory focuses on chemical changes in the brain; when chemicals in the brain responsible for sending messages from one cell to another are interrupted, migraines occur. More new studies indicate a hereditary part. People who sustain from migraines may get inherited irregular genes that curb the functions of sure mind cells.

Though there is yet no conclusive validation of what causes a migraine, investigation has shown links between sure types of foods and the onslaught of migraines. The connection is based on the opinion that chemical substances in sure nutrient items induce the arteries to compress, which acts as a trigger for a migraine blast. Other experts argue that foods may induce headaches by setting away hypersensitive reactions in vulnerable folk.