Vascular migraine is an outdated medical term previously used to describe pulsating headaches caused by dilating blood vessels in the head and neck region.
The International Headache Society (IHS) now classifies vascular migraines as primary headaches.
Discover the difference between migraines and headaches and learn how to find natural relief from pain and tension fast.
What are vascular migraines?
A migraine is a severe headache that can cause debilitating, pulsating pain on one side of the head that worsens with physical activity and is typically accompanied by light and sound sensitivity.
A vascular headache is an outdated term used to describe headaches believed to result from changes in blood vessel size triggered by dilation.
However, evolving evidence shifted the understanding of migraines from vasodilation to factors such as neural imbalances, genetic predisposition, and environmental triggers.
Despite emerging theories, the development of migraines appears to be linked to various potential causes, and more research is needed to determine their exact pathophysiology.
Types of migraines
There are various types of migraines. The most common ones present with auras, which cause symptoms of visual disturbance in addition to headaches.
Here are various migraine categories:
- Migraine with aura
- Migraine without aura
- Chronic migraine occurring 15 or more days of the month
- Vestibular migraine with vertigo symptoms
- Hemiplegic migraines are characterized by weakness on one side of the body
Additionally, women can experience menstrual migraines, which are believed to be triggered by hormonal fluctuations. These migraines typically begin two days before a period starts, but can also occur at any time during menstruation.
Watch the video below to discover the potential link between nutrient deficiencies and migraines.
Vascular migraines vs. secondary vascular headaches
Rather than categorizing various headaches under the umbrella term vascular headaches, the medical community now categorizes headaches as primary or secondary, with migraines falling under the primary category.
Primary headaches generally have no identifiable cause and include migraines, cluster headaches, and tension-type headaches.
Most types of migraines aren’t typically dangerous despite significantly impacting daily life. However, some forms may increase the risk of stroke, brain scarring, heart defects, and heart attacks.
In contrast, secondary headaches are symptoms of an underlying health condition or illness, such as fever, sleep problems, or dehydration. They can also be a sign of a serious health problem, such as infections, brain tumors, trauma, or aneurysms.
Hypertension, widely known as high blood pressure, and overuse of pain relievers can also contribute to secondary headaches.
Signs of secondary headaches vary widely, but may worsen with posture changes, occur alongside weakness, numbness, or vision changes, or appear suddenly and become severe, commonly known as a thunderclap headache.
What causes migraines?
While the exact cause of migraines is unknown, healthcare professionals have identified genetic factors, dietary habits, and digestive disorders that may trigger headache pain.
Here are five potential causes of migraines.
1. Gallbladder issues
Although not recognized in Western medicine, many alternative medicine practices believe migraine pain is associated with poor gallbladder function via the gallbladder meridian.
The gallbladder meridian is one of twelve energy pathways in traditional Chinese medicine, believed to connect and influence various organs throughout the body.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine found that gallbladder stone disease is associated with a significantly greater risk of migraines, which diminishes after a cholecystectomy.1
Other signs that migraine headache may be related to the gallbladder include:
- Pain in the right side of the abdomen
- Intolerance to fatty foods
- Light-colored, floating stool
- Pain in the right shoulder or the right side of the head
2. Nutrient deficiencies
Nutritional deficiencies, specifically of vitamins B2, B12, and D, as well as sodium, and coenzyme Q10, may influence migraine occurrence by impairing mitochondrial function and antioxidant status.
“There is a significant relationship between migraines and underfunctioning mitochondria within the cells,” explains Dr. Berg. “Supporting optimal nutrient levels, especially vitamin B2, can support mitochondrial and neuronal health, which may help lower migraine risk.”
3. Gender
Women are more likely to suffer from migraines than men.
According to research published in Springer, this phenomenon is likely due to hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause.2
4. Genetic predisposition
While the exact mechanism remains unclear, genetics play a significant role in migraine susceptibility and often runs in families.
It’s estimated that genetic factors account for about 60 percent of migraine cases.
5. Environmental triggers
Environmental factors, such as chronic stress, bright lights, loud noise, intense sexual activity, and overexertion, are also linked to migraine headache patterns.
Weather changes, strong odors, and inconsistent sleep may also trigger or worsen migraine episodes.
Additionally, certain foods and beverages, such as chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, and additives like monosodium glutamate (MSG), are believed to be common triggers of migraine headaches.
Symptoms of migraines
There are four migraine phases: prodrome, aura, attack, and postdrome. However, people with migraine headaches may not experience all of the symptoms.
The prodrome, also known as the premonitory phase, typically occurs days before migraine onset. Prodrome signs can include tingling or pins and needles sensations, yawning, mood swings, stiff neck, trouble concentrating, and cravings.
Preceding the headache, you may experience a migraine aura with flashing lights, stars, lines, or blind spots.
The development of an aura is typically followed by a migraine attack, which causes severe headaches that can last for several hours or days.
Other symptoms of migraine attacks include:
- Intense pulsating on one side of the head
- Light, sound, and odor sensitivity
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Facial sweating
- Irritability
During the postdrome phase, many individuals feel confused, disoriented, and tired as the migraine headache alleviates.
It’s important to note that migraines also share symptoms with medical emergencies, such as a stroke. If these symptoms are new to you or are accompanied by slurred speech or numbness in the face, arm, or leg, visit the nearest emergency room immediately.
Natural remedies for migraines
While migraines are often managed with over-the-counter or prescription painkillers, many individuals prefer to find relief using natural remedies to minimize side effects linked to pharmaceutical drugs.
Here are five natural remedies for migraine headaches.
1. Rest and cold compresses
It’s recommended to rest in a quiet, dark room and avoid exposure to disturbing noises, lights, or odors until symptoms subside.
Placing a cold compress on your head can also help reduce blood flow and constrict the blood vessels, which may inhibit nerve transmission of pain signals.
2. Ginger
Drinking ginger tea or taking ginger shots has potential pain-relieving effects, may ease nausea, and can help reduce oxidative stress associated with migraines.
These benefits are likely due to ginger’s potent anti-inflammatory compounds, particularly gingerol and shogaol.
3. Acupuncture or acupressure
Acupuncture or acupressure, especially along the liver and gallbladder meridians, has been shown to be an effective natural remedy for migraines.
Research published in Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion found that “Acupuncture at points of the Liver and Gallbladder Meridians for treatment of migraine is safe, effective, and with stable long-term therapeutic effect.”3
4. Lavender oil
Lavender oil aromatherapy may ease migraine symptoms, help calm the nervous system, and reduce perceived stress associated with headache pain.
A study published in the Journal of Herbal Medicine found that subjects who practiced lavender oil aromatherapy during the prodrome phase experienced fewer occurrences of migraines and less severe pain.4
5. Peppermint oil
While more research is needed, menthol, a natural compound found in peppermint oil, may help alleviate migraine symptoms with its cooling effect and natural analgesic properties.
Inhaling peppermint oil or diluting it in a carrier oil on the skin also produces a muscle-relaxing effect, which can help reduce headaches linked to muscle contractions in the head or neck.
Diet and healthy lifestyle tips
Following a low-carb ketogenic diet may help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines by promoting healthy gallbladder function, increasing insulin sensitivity, and supporting a balanced nutritional status.
Healthy Keto®, with its high-fat approach, supports gallbladder function by triggering the release of bile, a digestive fluid.
In contrast, low-fat diets reduce bile flow, which can hinder digestion and may worsen migraines linked to sluggish gallbladder function.
Elevated insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar, can promote neuroinflammation and trigger migraines. Following a low-carb diet is an effective way to keep insulin levels balanced and reduce this risk.
Healthy Keto advocates the consumption of seven to ten cups of non-starchy vegetables daily, which boosts essential nutrients for mitochondrial health, including magnesium and antioxidants.
Those who don’t consume enough sodium may benefit from increasing their intake by drinking celery juice and consuming around one teaspoon of Himalayan pink salt or sea salt daily.
You may also help reduce the occurrence of migraines by avoiding common triggers, such as caffeine, practicing stress management techniques, and prioritizing quality sleep.
When to talk to your doctor
If your migraines begin to worsen, causing severe pain or last for several days, visit your healthcare provider for a thorough physical exam.
More severe headaches or migraines may also be a sign of an underlying health condition, stroke, or brain swelling and require proper evaluation and blood tests for diagnosis.
It’s recommended to keep a record of migraine duration and severity, as well as headache patterns and remedies you use to manage discomfort at home.
Consult your doctor right away if you experience the following:
- Sudden, intense pain in your head
- Migraine after a fall or head injury
- Sudden migraine onset for the first time if you are over 50, pregnant, or postpartum
- Migraine symptoms accompanied by signs of stroke
Recurring migraines are typically treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or migraine-specific medications, such as triptans and ergotamines.
Key takeaways
Vascular migraine is an outdated term previously used to describe headaches related to changes in the blood vessel dilation linked to pain and discomfort.
While the exact cause of migraines is unknown, it’s believed that gallbladder issues, nutrient deficiencies, and various environmental triggers may contribute to episodes.
Natural remedies such as acupuncture or acupressure, aromatherapy with lavender oil, and ginger may also reduce the severity of migraines.
FAQ
1. What are vascular migraines?
Vascular migraine is an outdated term for headaches thought to result from blood vessel changes in the head and neck.
Today, migraines are classified as primary headaches, meaning they’re not caused by an underlying condition.
2. What can cause a migraine?
Migraines are often triggered by gallbladder disease, genetic predisposition, and hormonal changes, such as during a woman’s menstrual cycle. Nutrient deficiencies and environmental factors, such as stress and poor sleep, can also contribute to migraines.
3. What can you do for a throbbing headache?
Resting in a dark, quiet room with a cold compress is a common way to manage migraine pain at home. Additionally, ginger, lavender and peppermint aromatherapy, and acupressure are effective methods to relieve headache tension.
4. Are migraines dangerous?
While most migraines aren’t dangerous, they can impact daily life with symptoms such as light sensitivity and pain that worsens with activity.
5. What are the symptoms of a secondary vascular headache?
Secondary vascular headaches often present with sudden, severe pain and may be accompanied by symptoms such as vision changes, weakness, or nausea, indicating an underlying medical condition. In severe cases, prompt medical evaluation is essential.
