Migraine Headaches

What Causes Migraine Headaches?

Migraine headaches can have various causes, ranging in severity from 'troubling' to 'very serious'.  Finding the true cause means ruling out or confirming each possibility – in other words, diagnosis.

Diagnose your symptoms now!
  • check your overall health status
  • have a doctor review your case (optional)
  • identify any nutritional deficiencies

Diagnosis is usually a complex process due to the sheer number of possible causes and related symptoms.  In order to diagnose migraine headaches, we could:

  • Research the topic
  • Find a doctor with the time
  • Use a diagnostic computer system.
The process is the same, whichever method is used.

Step 1: List all Possible Causes

We begin by identifying the disease conditions which have "migraine headaches" as a symptom.  Here are eight of many possibilities (more below):
  • Ehrlichiosis
  • Sarcoidosis
  • Allergic Tension
  • Dehydration
  • Lyme Disease
  • Low Serotonin
  • Magnesium Need
  • Rosacea

Step 2: Build a Symptom Checklist

We then identify all possible symptoms and risk factors of each possible cause, and check the ones that apply:
constant fatigue
major steroid use
vision disturbances
occasional confusion/disorientation
frequent painful inguinal nodes
craving and eating wheat
long-term hoarse voice
cloudy urine
rosacea
seizures
being very easily irritated
visible veins on face
... and more than 90 others

Step 3: Rule Out or Confirm each Possible Cause

A differential diagnosis of your symptoms and risk factors finds the likely cause of migraine headaches:
Cause Probability Status
Magnesium Need 97% Confirm
Dehydration 26% Unlikely
Lyme Disease 21% Unlikely
Low Serotonin 0% Ruled out
Sarcoidosis 0% Ruled out
Ehrlichiosis 0% Ruled out
Allergic Tension 0% Ruled out
Rosacea 0% Ruled out
* This is a simple example to illustrate the process

Arriving at a Correct Diagnosis

The Analyst™ is our online diagnosis tool that learns all about you through a straightforward process of multi-level questioning, providing diagnosis at the end.

If you indicate chronic headaches, The Analyst™ will ask further questions including this one:
Do you get Migraine Headaches? Attacks last 4-72 hours with various symptoms affecting mood, vision, hearing, touch, speech, memory, muscles, and a pulsating headache on one/both/alternating sides, leaving you drained, aching, emotional, thinking slowly.
Possible responses:
→ Never had one / don't know
→ Probably had one/minor episode(s) now resolved
→ Major episode(s) now resolved
→ Current minor problem
→ Current major problem
Based on your response to this question, which may indicate either history of migraine headaches or migraine headaches, The Analyst™ will consider possibilities such as:
Fluoride Toxicity

Persistent headaches are one sign of fluorosis.

Aspartame/Neotame Side-Effects

Double-blind studies have demonstrated that aspartame causes headaches. [Headache 1988:28(1) pp.10-14, Biological Psychiatry 1993:34(1) pp.13-17, Neurology 1994:44 pp.1787-93.]

Dehydration

Dehydration is an important trigger of migraines and tension headaches.  The mechanisms are not entirely clear, but there appear to be several.  Dehydration leads to:

  • Narrowed blood vessels including those in the brain: A contributing factor for headaches
  • Histamine release to induce thirst: Histamine can trigger migraines
  • Decreased serotonin production: Changes in serotonin levels can trigger migraines
  • Oxidative stress: A major trigger of migraines [Dr. Jonathan M. Borkum, Headache, Vol. 58, Issue 1, January 2018: pp.118-35]
Environmental Illness / MCS

Central nervous system dysfunction is common, resulting in headaches, chronic fatigue, poor short term memory, hyperactivity, and increased appetite leading to food cravings and overeating.

Estrogens Low

Women must first be exposed to elevated estrogen levels before low estrogen levels will trigger headache activity.  Constant low levels of estrogen, as in menopause, are less likely to be associated with increased headache pattern.

Liver Detoxification / Support Requirement

A 'sluggish liver' often contributes to headaches.

Low Female Testosterone Level

Migraines are more common among women who have very low testosterone levels.

Low Melatonin Level

Migraines sufferers often are found to have reduced blood levels of melatonin.

Lupus, SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)

Vascular or migraine headaches occur in 10% of lupus patients.

Magnesium Requirement

Migraines sufferers often are found to have reduced blood levels of magnesium.

Concerned or curious about your health?  Try The Analyst™
Symptom Entry
Symptom Entry
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Suggestions
Suggestions
LifeMeter
LifeMeter®
Full Explanations
Explanations
Optional Doctor Review
Review (optional)
We use cookies for traffic analysis, advertising, and to provide the best user experience