Prevention of Migraine Headaches: What Every Patient Should Know

Avoiding Triggers

“Triggers” are specific factors that may increase your risk of having a migraine attack. The migraine sufferer has inherited a sensitive nervous system that under certain circumstances, can lead to migraine.

Triggers do not “cause” migraine. Instead, they are thought to activate processes that cause migraine in people who are prone to the condition. A certain trigger will not induce a migraine in every person; and, in a single migraine sufferer, a trigger may not cause a migraine every time. By keeping a headache diary, you will be able to identify some triggers for your particular headaches.

Once you have identified triggers, it will be easier for you to avoid them and reduce your chances of having a migraine attack.

Common Triggers

The science linking triggers to migraine is not yet clearly established. Nonetheless, patients commonly report that they have migraine triggers.

Categories Triggers Examples
Dietary  Skipping meals/fasting
Food Items
 
MSG (monosodium glutamate)
Chocolate
Processed meats (containing nitrates)
Aged cheese
Alcohol/red wine
Too much caffeine
Medications Nitroglycerine
Chronobiology Change in sleep patterns Napping
Oversleeping
Too little sleep
Environmental Weather changes Extreme heat or cold
Bright lights Office lighting
Odors/pollution Smog, perfumes, chemicals
Flashing lights or screens
Hormonal Estrogen level changes (rapid fluctuations in estrogen levels) Menstruation
Hormone replacement therapies
Birth control pills
Around the time of menopause
Stress Work Unrealistic timelines
Home Financial issues
Family Job changes
Moving
Childbirth
Marriage
Death/loss
Stress Letdown Discontinuation of work Weekends
Vacations
Ending a project or stressful task (such as a presentation)
Physical Injuries Marathon running
Over-exertion Exercising when out of shape
Exercising in heat

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