Science Sheds New Light On The Complex Subject Of Migraines

We all get headaches from time to time, but roughly 1 in 7 of us have experienced the extreme symptoms of a migraine. Even if you’re not prone to these life-interrupting headaches, you probably know someone who is and are familiar with some of the awful symptoms that can last hours or even days.

But we don’t know too much about what causes them or even how they occur.

Pieces of the puzzle

As terrible as the throbbing pain, blurred vision, and other devastating signs of a migraine might be, scientists believe that it might all be part of the body’s effort to protect itself. According to research first published last week, migraines appear to be the result of a neurological “blackout” that occurs when something out of the ordinary is going on in the brain. When that occurs, it seems to trigger a change in cerebrospinal fluid, which then makes its way to the nerves in the skull, thus resulting in migraine pain.

“The pain is protective because it’s telling the person to rest and recover and sleep,” concluded study co-author Maiken Nedergaard.

More than just a headache

Since the brain isn’t linked to the peripheral nervous system, the very concept of experiencing the pain of any type of headache has been the source of some scientific mystery. As for migraines, which are often preceded by symptoms ranging from light sensitivity to nausea, there’s a lot more uncertainty to address.

Experts have long suspected that cerebrospinal fluid is a major culprit, but the latest research took that evidence further by connecting the leak to a nerve that runs through the face and jaw.

Now, researchers say, it’s up to future studies to determine why the release of this fluid only causes headaches and not pain elsewhere in the body.

Chris Agee July 8th, 2024

Share this story: