Headache Care Center: What is Migraine?

Migraine is a condition that reflects the way your nervous system functions or, at times, malfunctions. Even though migraine is not curable, it is manageable. Most people who suffer from migraine can look forward to a future of better migraine control.

If you experience migraine, you have a more sensitive nervous system than those without migraine. Most often this means you were born with a nervous system that is more sensitive and more easily excited than people without migraine. This sensitivity is part of who you are, between attacks as well as during attacks of migraine. Understanding migraine is really gaining a new appreciation of yourself.
Besides suffering from severe headaches, those with migraine often share other characteristics, such as being light sleepers and skipping breakfast. They are affected by environmental changes, such as, weather, odors, and bright lights. Generally, those with migraine are conscientious, organized, achievement-oriented and creative. Vigilant of their surroundings, they may sense the feelings and needs of others.
Prehistorically, there were advantages to a nervous system that is easily alerted, especially in terms of avoiding danger and finding food. Evolution selected the migrainous nervous system as adaptable to the rigorous demands of the environment. Today, nearly 30 million Americans suffer with migraine headaches.

Today's fast-paced lifestyle demands much from our nervous system. For many it seems we are in a constant state of alert. The nervous system is adjusting to the lights, sounds, and activities of our environment. It adapts to weather, wind and humidity. It constantly accommodates changes in hormones, emotions, and thoughts as well as the many chemicals in our food and beverages. Considering this, is it any wonder that at times the nervous system becomes disrupted? When it does, there is a change in brain chemicals, rendering the brain vulnerable to migraine. Eventually, the brain loses the ability to inhibit sensory information such as light, sound and odors. The thinking process slows down. Muscles become tight and tender, blocking the message from the brain to relax. Ultimately, blood vessels lose their regulation, swell and become inflamed, producing the headache associated with migraine.