Migraine Not Caused By Periods, Neurologists Say

True or false: women are volatile, emotional creatures that can create medical conditions - like migraine -for themselves due their inability to handle stress and emotions.

Answer: False. While hormonal imbalance can cause a lot of stress and unwanted emotions, it can't exactly make up conditions like migraine.

Neurologists agree that a migraine is a real medical condition that is related to temporary abnormal brain activity. Even though many women experience them during their period, emotions have nothing to do with it.

Unfortunately, the misconception still persists. According to The New York Times, around 36 million people experience migraines in the United States alone. While it is more common in women, it does also affect men, which debunks the myth that it is something make up during "that time of the month." Causes of migraines aren't too clear, but as noted by Mayo Clinic, genetics and environmental factors may also play a role.

As for women experiencing migraines during their period, the involvement of imbalance of brain chemicals may also play a part. Serotonin, for one, helps regulate the pain in the nervous system, but these levels drop during migraine attacks. Fluctuation in estrogen are also likely to be involved.

Still, that is not all that can affect people -- lights, smells, alcohol, and even certain kinds of food can trigger migraines as well. According to David W. Dodick of the International Headache Society, variations of over 40 genes can be associated with migraine 

Whatever the cause or trigger of migraines may be, it is important that it is not overlooked by both men and women. According to Health Central, migraines increase the risk of stroke. Doctors may not exactly agree to the degree in which it increases the risk, but they do agree that there is one.

So if you or anyone you know experiences frequent migraines, it is recommended that you check up with your doctor right away.