To understand how migraines and headaches develop, you need to know a thing or two about the structure and function of organs such as blood vessels, muscles, sinuses, nerves and lymph nodes in the head. This knowledge will also help you interpret your symptoms and better understand the information you receive from your doctor or medical specialists.
Blood vessels
Arteries carry blood away from the heart, veins carry blood to the heart. They vary in thickness: the smaller arteries are called arterioles, smaller veins are called venules. These two types of blood vessels communicate with each other through an impressive system of fine branches known as capillaries. This capillary system is the main supplier of blood to our skin.
Arteries
The walls of the arteries consist of three layers.
The inner layer consists of cells that are subject to wear and tear by blood cells and other blood components and are constantly renewed.
The middle layer consists of elastic tissue, from which the blood vessel derives its resilience, so that vasodilation can occur to absorb the impulses with which blood is pumped from the heart into the blood vessels.
The outer layer contains some muscle fibers that limit the stretching of the elastic layer, so that pressure and blood flow remain even during the heart’s pumping cycle. Blood flows from the arteries through the small arteries to the capillaries.
Veins
Veins are wider than arteries, have thinner walls that contain more muscle, and are less elastic. The blood flows from the capillaries to the small veins and finally to the veins, so the pressure decreases as the blood is returned to the heart. The entire system of veins is equipped with valves that prevent the blood from flowing back. Since the heartbeat does not exert direct pressure on the vascular system, the blood is propelled by the contractile movements of the surrounding muscles.
Capillaries
Capillaries (capillaries) are fine blood vessels with very thin walls that contain only a few muscle fibers. Together they form a very extensive network and, if laid end to end, would have a length of approximately 96,000 km. They are therefore very important as a blood reservoir. The walls of the capillaries are very thin, which allows them to supply the surrounding tissues with nutrients.
The regulatory system of blood vessels
The small arteries and arteries are controlled by nerves in the spinal cord that send impulses using adrenaline. Adrenaline stimulates the contraction of blood vessels. This type of stimulus transmission is called sympathetic. The stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system usually increases when there is stress, tension or anxiety. Due to the persistent stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system, the blood vessels remain somewhat constricted. During vasodilation, stimulus transmission is inhibited, so that fewer stimuli are sent.
Prostaglandins
Prostaglandins get their name from the belief that these hormone-like substances originate from the prostate. They are synthesized from arachidonic acid and are sometimes known as local hormones. They are secreted by body tissue and blood cells and have a direct influence on the vessel walls. They either directly influence tissue (such as the walls of small arteries), or they make tissues more sensitive to other hormones. Aspirin inhibits the production of some chemicals, including prostaglandin E, which is involved in the processes of pain and fever. Prostaglandins, which cause the constriction of blood vessels, are believed to play a role in migraines and headaches.
Histamine
Histamine has the same effect as prostaglandin, although it does not have the same chemical structure. It causes the small arteries to dilate and can cause damage to capillaries, causing swelling.
Sinuses
Sinuses are hollow spaces in the bones of the head above the eyes (frontal sinuses) and below the eyes (maxillary sinuses). The mucous membrane that lines them produces a mucilage that keeps the inner lining moist. The sinuses open into the nose and throat through thin tubes called ducts. Infections can spread through these tubes and cause inflammation of the sinuses or sinuses (sinusitis).
Muscles of the head and neck
The face has many muscles that allow facial expressions and movements of the eyes and mouth. The top of the head is not covered with muscles, but with a large, broad tendon that connects to the muscles of the forehead (frontal) and the back of the head (occipital). The neck muscles – the monkshood muscle and the sternocleidomastoid muscle – are attached to the head at the back of the neck. It is these muscles that respond to tension caused by incorrect posture or maintaining the same posture for too long.
The eye muscles can become painful when they are focused on the same point for too long, for example when we watch TV or read. The same happens with the facial muscles, where pain and cramps can arise from prolonged squinting or frowning. Fortunately, laughing too much does not have a painful effect!
The nerve conduction to the head
The head is controlled by twelve different main nerves that are responsible for the eyes, nose, ears, mouth, face and neck. Stimulus transmission takes place both to peripheral tissues – motor impulses are conducted to the muscles – and back to the brain, transmitting sensory impulses such as pain, cold, heat, etc. The trigeminal nerve (trigeminal nerve) controls the
eyes , the jaw and the mucous membranes of the head. This nerve can become inflamed due to a sinus infection and can cause a lot of pain in these areas.
This puts pressure on the pain receptors in the blood vessel walls. The current view is that in the event of oxygen deficiency, the surrounding tissue of the arterioles produces certain chemicals such as adenosine, histamine and lactic acid. This causes vasodilation, allowing more blood to flow to the oxygen-supplying tissues. This stimulates pressure-sensitive receptors in the blood vessel walls, resulting in an increase in pressure on the surrounding tissue, which is reflected in pain.
The vagus nerve (wandering nerve) provides the connection between the brain and the stomach, lungs and heart. Pressure on this nerve, or lack of oxygen, could be responsible for the digestive disturbances such as nausea and vomiting that often accompany migraines.
The hypothalamus consists of nerve cells that regulate all autonomic (involuntary) functions of the body, such as digestion.
The pituitary gland consists of nerve cells that produce stimulating factors to stimulate the production of hormones in other organs.
Endorphins
Endorphins are a chemical messenger that transmits pain stimuli. It is a natural analgesic opiate found in large amounts in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland.
Lymph nodes
There are lymph nodes at the back of the neck and under the chin. When you have a cold or a sore throat, you can often feel swollen glands behind your ears. Lymph nodes are lymph nodes in the lymphatic vessels that contain immunocytes. These cells multiply when an infection occurs and that is why they become swollen and painful to the touch. Lymphatic vessels have very thin walls and are equipped with valves that prevent the return of fluid. They absorb excess fluid from local tissues and capillaries and also remove fats from the digestive system. The lymphatic fluid is propelled by the activity of the surrounding muscles. When the lymph nodes at the back of the head swell, they cause pain that can spread over the entire area and result in muscle cramps.
Meninges
Meninges are membranes that lie just beneath the skull and protect the brain. They secrete cerebrospinal fluid, a fluid that keeps them moist and also serves as a protective insulating layer.
The psyche
Although the psyche is often mentioned as a possible cause of many disorders, it is not yet possible to give a clear definition. The psyche serves as a storehouse for memories, is the origin of analysis and humor, the regulator of feelings, the generator of ideas and the matrix of personality, but nevertheless no one has yet found the key to locating these vital factors or to their explanation why the psyche functions (or does not function).
