Migraines occur when specific internal and external stimuli – commonly referred to as triggers – trigger an attack, such as changes to sleep, food, menstrual periods for women, bright lights or loud noises. These triggers could include sleep changes, food intake changes, menstruation periods for women, bright lights or loud noises.
An ideal way to identify headache triggers is keeping a headache diary, and working toward eliminating or minimizing them if possible.
1. Changes in Temperature
People suffering from migraine often report that certain weather patterns can trigger headaches. This may be related to barometric (air) pressure shifts or stormy or rapid weather events that alter barometric pressure levels quickly or suddenly.
Migraines may also be caused by cold temperatures or increases in humidity, with dry conditions acting as another known migraine trigger. Dehydration is another known migraine precursor.
Weather patterns that act as migraine triggers for each individual can vary widely; keeping a migraine diary may help identify possible triggers. Jot down what you eat, drink, stress levels and sleep habits and other details that could indicate any patterns; try to eliminate or avoid those triggers if possible; otherwise make sure emergency migraine medication is available should any attacks arise; emergency migraine medicine could reduce both severity and frequency.
2. Caffeine
Some believe that too much caffeine can contribute to headaches. This may be especially true of those who consume caffeine regularly for an extended period of time; these individuals may find they need to gradually decrease their caffeine consumption in order to lessen the likelihood of an attack.
Many migraine sufferers find that sudden changes to their sleeping patterns, increased levels of stress and emotional reactions, the menstrual cycle for women, certain foods or exercise can all trigger attacks; additionally dehydration is often mentioned as an initial source.
Maintaining a headache diary can help identify possible triggers. To do this effectively, it is crucial that all events that take place daily be recorded as they could potentially have caused an attack.
3. Food
Migraine sufferers frequently report that certain foods can exacerbate their headaches, possibly because they contain high concentrations of tyramine or chemicals such as aspartame or monosodium glutamate (MSG) which add flavorings to processed food products.
People living with migraine can also be sensitive to perfumes or other scented products, while cured meats like deli meat and sausage contain preservatives known as nitrates, which cause their bodies to release chemicals that narrow blood vessels in the brain.
Some women report their migraines are triggered by certain foods such as chocolate and cheese, along with red wine, citrus fruits, and alcohol beverages. To identify your triggers more accurately, keeping a migraine diary may be the solution.
4. Alcohol
Alcohol may be a trigger of migraine headaches for some individuals, either because it affects blood vessels directly, or because certain varieties contain histamine – a substance which causes inflammation throughout the body.
Some researchers also believe that chemicals found in some alcoholic drinks, known as congeners, may contribute to headaches. Congeners are byproducts of alcohol fermentation; darker drinks like red wine tend to contain more congeners than lighter drinks like vodka or beer.
If alcohol may be contributing to your migraines, it’s wise to drink in moderation with food to reduce migraine triggers. Also keep a diary so you can start seeing patterns.
5. Stress
Stress can often trigger migraine headaches. This is because stress causes changes to sleep patterns and accumulates toxins in your body, leading to tension and dilation of blood vessels resulting in headaches. Although impossible to completely avoid, managing stress levels and seeking professional assistance are both recommended strategies for relieving migraine symptoms.
Other common triggers for migraine attacks may include food and drink, lights, sounds and smells; hormonal fluctuations due to menstruation cycles or birth control pills; missing meals; dehydration. By keeping a migraine diary you can identify your triggers and learn how to effectively manage them – often more effective than simply trying to avoid them completely – thus helping get back to a more fulfilling lifestyle more quickly.
