For managing your migraine, it is essential to know what triggers them. As there are no universal triggers, finding the cause that is responsible for the onset of your migraine can be difficult. Some of the commonly-occurring triggers are related to lifestyle, environment, hormonal, medication, and weather.
Let’s take a look at some of the top triggers for migraines.
- Stress
Stress is a top trigger for migraines, and any form of tension or anxiety can lead to a migraine attack. The stress can be work-related or due to some intense physical activity. - Diet
Another one of the top triggers for migraines is related to diet. Craving for a particular food such as sugary snacks or eating insufficient meals can be the reason for a migraine attack. Certain food additives like artificial sweeteners, monosodium glutamate, and nitrates can also be responsible for triggering headaches. - Caffeine and alcohol
Drinking too much tea and coffee can cause problems if you are prone to migraines. That’s why you should monitor your intake of caffeine. Alcohol is one of the top triggers for migraines. It is mostly found women who drink red wine. - Irregular sleep
Too much or too little sleep is one of the top triggers for migraines. Insomnia or jet lags are often cited as common reasons for this problem. - Dehydration
Dehydration is also a possible migraine trigger. You should drink at least eight glasses of water in a day to stop it from occurring. Insufficient fluid intake or fizzy drinks can cause headaches. - Weather changes
High humidity, excessive heat, and storms are some of the common triggers for people with migraines. - Smell
Sensitivity to smell is a known trigger of migraines. The strong smell of perfumes, cigarette smoke, chemicals, gasoline, or other unusual smells can be the reason for triggering a headache. - Light
People with migraine can also experience the onset of an attack when exposed to natural light, especially when going out in the sun. Certain kinds of artificial lights and flickering bulbs can also be a problem. - Hormonal changes
Migraines in women can also be associated with female hormones. Women are more prone to experiencing migraines, especially during reproductive years. However, hormonal migraines usually stop after menopause, when hormone levels are consistently low. - Medications
Certain medications can be a trigger for people with migraines. The use of contraceptives, which contain hormones, can trigger migraines in women. Before taking these medications, it is advisable to consult your doctor. The overuse of common medications such as analgesics or painkillers is another possible trigger for migraines.
Now that you know the top triggers for migraines, you can identify and eliminate it from your suspect list. Understanding what triggers your migraine can help in avoiding future migraine attacks. If the problem persists, consult your doctor.
