Understanding What Happens in Your Brain During a Migraine

Migraines are not just bad headaches—they are complex events in the brain involving changes that can lead to the intense symptoms many people experience. Here's a simplified look at what’s happening in your brain when a migraine strikes:

How a Migraine Starts

Migraines begin when certain nerve cells in your brainstem (a control center for many functions) become overactive. Triggers like stress, changes in hormones, specific foods, or even weather changes can set this off. Once activated, these nerves release chemicals that kickstart the migraine process.

What Are These Chemicals?

Two key chemicals play a role in migraines:

• Serotonin: This chemical helps control pain and mood. When its levels change, it can cause blood vessels in the brain to tighten, contributing to the early stages of a migraine.

• Glutamate: This chemical excites brain cells. When it floods the brain, it can cause waves of intense activity, followed by a slowdown. This process, called cortical spreading depression, is linked to the "aura" some people see or feel before the headache starts (like flashing lights or tingling).

What’s an Aura?

For some, migraines start with an aura—a kind of warning sign. This might include visual disturbances, like zigzag patterns or blind spots, or physical sensations, such as numbness or tingling. This happens because brain cells fire up in waves, then go quiet.

Pain and the Trigeminal Nerve

Once the headache phase starts, a big nerve in your face and head, called the trigeminal nerve, gets involved. This nerve sends pain signals to your brain. It also releases substances that make the blood vessels around your brain swell and inflame, which worsens the pain.

Why Do Some People Get Migraines All the Time?

For people with frequent migraines, their brains may have become extra sensitive to pain. Over time, parts of the brain involved in controlling pain can change, making migraines happen more often or feel worse.

Takeaway

Migraines are a mix of brain chemistry, nerve activity, and blood flow changes. While they’re not fully understood yet, this knowledge helps researchers develop better treatments and ways to prevent them. If you experience migraines, you’re not alone—and there’s hope for relief through understanding and management.