The pain associated with a migraine generally results from what physiological event?

The pain associated with a migraine is primarily attributed to the dilation of blood vessels, particularly in the brain. During a migraine attack, there is a complex interplay of neurological and vascular changes. Initially, there may be a phase of vasoconstriction, but this is typically followed by vasodilation, which leads to increased blood flow and pressure in the dilated blood vessels surrounding the meninges. This dilation activates the pain receptors and contributes to the sensation of pain. The inflammatory processes that occur during a migraine further exacerbate this pain by releasing various substances that sensitize the sensory neurons involved in pain pathways. Hence, the dilation of blood vessels is a crucial physiological event that directly correlates with the onset of migraine headache pain.