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Migraine Triggers

There is no known perfect fix for migraines as a whole, and as such, prevention is the name of the game. If you suffer from migraines, one of the most important things you can do is to identify your triggers. Triggers can vary greatly from person to person. People find it helpful to keep a log or “migraine diary” of things that happen to them or they experience during and around their migraines.

What is a Trigger?

A migraine trigger is something that happens to you or you do or consume that results in a migraine attack3. These triggers can cause a migraine immediately or initiate one slowly, with onset up to days after the stimulus. 

Types of Triggers

  • Stress – Stress is thought to be one of the most common triggers. It has been found to be a trigger for roughly 70% of migraine sufferers1. 
  • Hormones – Women report episodes of migraine three times more often than men do. This is thought to be partly due to natural fluctuations in hormone levels that occur throughout the menstrual cycle1.
  • Sleep Schedule – Irregular sleeping patterns, and going to sleep too early or too late can lead to a migraine for some people. 
  • Caffeine and Alcohol – Abstaining from consumption or consuming too much caffeine can lead to migraine for some, while consuming alcohol of certain types or amounts may cause symptoms. Some also report consuming caffeine during a migraine can alleviate symptoms1. Medications aimed at helping with migraines, such as Excedrin,  often contain caffeine.
  • Weather Changes – Though not well understood, changes in barometric pressure, temperature, and humidity fluctuations seem to be a trigger for some individuals
  • Diet – Food is one of the most common triggers. Typically, the foods that affect people the most are those “that contain histamine and MSG, chocolate, cheese and other dairy products, artificial sweeteners (e.g. aspartame), caffeine, cured meats, and anything with a strong smell”1.
  • Dehydration – Dehydration is a major cause of migraine attacks. Even being slightly dehydrated can lead some to have an attack
  • Light – Photophobia, literally “fear of light” is a diagnostic component for Migraines1. People will have difficulty in natural or artificial light. Flickering lights like fluorescents can be a particularly bad culprit for some. 
  • Smells – Also common triggers are specific odors. They can be anything from food to chemicals and anything in between.
  • Medication use/overuse – Strangely, there has been some research that has shown that prescribed medication for the abatement of migraine has in some cases increased the incidence of attacks.
  • Exercise – Regular exercise is always recommended for general health. While the improved fitness, circulation, and endorphins released from exercise can help keep migraines at bay, some individuals find the spike in activity can lead to a migraine. This is namely a concern for those who do not exercise frequently3.
  • Tense Muscles – A cause of standard headaches and migraines alike, tense muscles can be caused by stress, injuries, general weakness, or simply sitting in an abnormal position. Muscles of the head, neck, and shoulders are the main culprits.
  • Teeth Grinding – Similar to the prior category, tense muscles of the jaw and grinding of teeth during the day or night can lead trigger a migraine. 
  • Head injuries – Concussions, surgery on the head, etc have been associated with migraines. Injury to the head may lead to vascular or nervous system changes that then may lead to migraines.
  • Obesity – Some studies have shown a significant correlation between substantial weight loss and a decrease in migraine occurrence, severity, and the need for medical intervention.

What are Migraines: Diagnosis

References

  1. American Migraine Foundation. (n.d.). Top 10 migraine triggers and how to deal with them: AMF. American Migraine Foundation. Retrieved from https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/top-10-migraine-triggers/
  2. Association of Migraine Disorders. (2021, December 6). Triggers of migraine: What provokes a headache. Association of Migraine Disorders. Retrieved from https://www.migrainedisorders.org/migraine-disorders/migraine-triggers/
  3. The Migraine Trust. (2022, August 17). Migraine attack triggers. The Migraine Trust. Retrieved from https://migrainetrust.org/live-with-migraine/self-management/common-triggers/ 

By Brandon

Hi, my name is Brandon! As the husband of someone who suffers from frequent migraines, I have developed a great interest in them and what causes them. I have set up this site to help me explore and compile the current research, facts, and fiction about migraines and other related conditions. Please, reach out to me if you have any comments, questions or suggestions.