What Causes Chronic Migraines?

Serious migraines can incapacitate sufferers for hours, and possibly even days. A person having a migraine may also experience nausea, vomiting and a desire to be shielded from excessive light and sound due to increased sensitivity. Chronic migraines are usually treated with medication, and may have the following characteristics or underlying causes.

Pain Sensitivity

Individuals with chronic, daily migraines may have increased pain sensitivity, as the brain fails to suppress pain signals effectively.

Medicine Rebound

Individuals who take too much pain medication may be making migraines worse; if you take pain medication more than twice a week, you could be susceptible to medicine rebound headaches.

Infections

Some infections, such as meningitis, may lead to chronic migraines.

Inflammation

Blood vessel inflammation near the brain may result in chronic migraines.

Pinched Nerves

An individual with a pinched nerve near the neck may experience chronic migraines.

Tumors

Brain tumors may cause chronic migraines to occur.

Resources

• Mayo Clinic