Alexander Mauskop, MD, Headache Specialist:
Migraine is an excessive activation of the nervous system. The nerve cells, the neurons in the brain is where the problem begins. The blood vessels do react to these changes, but, in fact, they're secondary to the brain disorder.
ANNOUNCER:
Researchers also believe that genetics play a major role.
Alexander Mauskop, MD, Headache Specialist:
You're born with a genetic predisposition, but there are triggers that bring the headaches on. The most common trigger is stress. Weather changes, biometric pressure drops or the menstrual cycle in women or exposure to bright light, loud noises, smells, all those are triggers.
ANNOUNCER:
Certain foods can also be a trigger. But while figuring out specific triggers can be difficult, diagnosing migraines is not.
Alexander Mauskop, MD, Headache Specialist:
Any patient with a severe headache which interrupts their normal functioning should see a physician. Chances are it’s a migraine, especially if you’ve had them before.
ANNOUNCER:
Thanks for joining us on today’s Once Daily.
