Menstrual migraine can be a significant issue for many people, often disrupting their daily lives and making it challenging to function.
While the reasons behind this type of migraine can be complex, recent studies suggest that the brainstem plays an important role in their development.
Understanding this connection can help us better manage and treat these headaches.
What is the Brainstem?
The brainstem is a crucial part of the brain that connects to the spinal cord. It controls many essential functions, such as breathing, heart rate, and even pain perception.
Because it is central to our nervous system, any problems in the brainstem can significantly affect how we experience pain, including migraine. This makes the brainstem an important area to focus on when discussing menstrual migraine.
Hormones and Migraines
One of the main triggers for menstrual migraine is hormonal changes, particularly fluctuations in oestrogen levels throughout the menstrual cycle.
Just before menstruation, oestrogen levels drop sharply, which can heighten sensitivity to pain. This increased sensitivity is believed to be linked to changes in how the brainstem responds to pain signals.
Understanding this hormonal influence helps explain why some individuals are more prone to migraine during their menstrual cycle.
Pain and Neurotransmitters
In addition to hormones, the brainstem also plays a role in regulating neurotransmitters—chemicals that transmit signals in the brain.
Serotonin, for instance, is a key neurotransmitter that helps manage mood and pain. During the menstrual cycle, fluctuations in serotonin levels can trigger migraine.
When oestrogen levels fall, serotonin levels can also decrease, increasing the likelihood of experiencing a migraine. This connection underscores the importance of hormonal changes in relation to pain perception.
Brainstem Activity During Migraines
Research shows that during a migraine attack, certain areas of the brainstem become more active.
This means that the brainstem is not just a passive player; it actively processes pain signals.
When someone experiences a migraine, the brainstem’s response can contribute to the severity of the pain.
Additionally, the brainstem is part of a system that helps manage headache pain. When this system is activated, it can lead to the release of chemicals that cause blood vessels to expand and inflammation, further intensifying the headache.
Conclusion
In summary, the brainstem plays a crucial role in menstrual migraine through its involvement in pain processing and response to hormonal changes.
As oestrogen levels drop before menstruation, both sensitivity to pain and the activity of neurotransmitters can increase, leading to migraine.
By understanding this relationship, we can hope for improved strategies to alleviate the suffering caused by this type of migraine.
Focusing on how the brainstem interacts with hormonal fluctuations and pain perception offers a promising path for better management and treatment of menstrual migraine.
If you or a loved one experiences menstrual migraine, we are here to help! Call us on 1800 432 322 or reach out to us to chat with our team of experts.
Written by:
