Why do migraines hurt

Migraine is a common condition around the world. It affects people of all ages, but the symptoms in children can be different than those in adults.

Migraine headaches are common after traumatic brain injuries like concussions. Persistent migraine headaches in particular can have a big effect on….

Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph. Overview When there is pressure or pain in your head, it can be difficult to tell whether you are experiencing a typical headache or a migraine. What is a headache? What is migraine? Share on Pinterest. Treating headaches. Treating migraine. Identify and treat early. Having Constant Headaches? What You Need to Know. Headache Behind the Eyes. Read this next. Medically reviewed by Saurabh Sethi, M.

Medically reviewed by Seunggu Han, MD. Headache Behind the Eyes Medically reviewed by J. Keith Fisher, M. Medically reviewed by Judith Marcin, M. Medically reviewed by Tiffany Taft, PsyD. Does Physical Therapy Treat Migraine? Medically reviewed by Deena Kuruvilla, MD. Overview of Migraine in Children. Medically reviewed by Mia Armstrong, MD.

Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm. Or, click OK to continue. OK Cancel. Where to Buy. Select Location and Language:. Czech Republic. United Arab Emirates. Hong Kong. New Zealand.

Puerto Rico. Saudi Arabia. South Africa. Sri Lanka. United Kingdom. United States. Search Submit. Tension Sinus Nighttime. Older theories about migraines suggested that symptoms were possibly due to fluctuations in blood flow to the brain. Now many headache researchers realize that changes in blood flow and blood vessels don't initiate the pain, but may contribute to it.

Current thinking regarding migraine pain has moved more toward the source of the problem, as improved technology and research have paved the way for a better understanding. Today, it is widely understood that chemical compounds and hormones, such as serotonin and estrogen, often play a role in pain sensitivity for migraine sufferers. One aspect of migraine pain theory explains that migraine pain happens due to waves of activity by groups of excitable brain cells.

These trigger chemicals, such as serotonin, to narrow blood vessels. Serotonin is a chemical necessary for communication between nerve cells. It can cause narrowing of blood vessels throughout the body.