Recognise Your Migraine Triggers

Many experts are still undecided on the reasons that cause a migraine attack. However there are many studies that suggest that the blood vessels in the brain change in size (dilate), which in turn stimulates the nerve sensors in the brain. A drop in the levels of a brain chemical called serotonin may also have some effect. The result can be a severe throbbing headache.

Although this is one of the many theories, it would be safe to say that there are many other factors that can trigger or worsen a migraine headache, which if you are unfortunate enough to be a sufferer of this debilitating condition, you can at least do something about preventing or finding some kind of relief from the throbbing pain by being aware of the numerous triggers.

Migrane

Some of the most common migraine triggers can be avoided, especially with a bit of common sense. Firstly it is important to find out what triggers your own migraine attacks as opposed to the general consensus of opinion. It is worth remembering that even the most common migraine triggers don't affect everybody the same way.

Recognise Your Migraine Triggers

To discover what your own particular migraine triggers are, it is vitally important to keep a record, either in a diary or just keep notes of what you were doing, where you were or the food you were eating prior to a migraine attack. This will then highlight the factors which trigger your migraine attacks.

Once you start to keep a diary and track these causes and triggers, you can then implement your own personal migraine relief plan and avoid those factors which can and will trigger a migraine attack. After a period of time you will notice that the migraine attacks will become less frequent.

Migraine Diet Triggers

Your diet can be a major contributor as a migraine trigger if you eat or drink the foods that are commonly known to be the trigger culprits.

Alcohol, especially Red wine and beer

Citrus fruits - oranges, grapefruit, lemons and surprisingly bananas

Aged or mature cheeses

Processed meats

Many of today's foods contain a number of additives, preservatives and chemicals including the natural substance of tyramine. MSG (monosodium glutamate) is another additive which is predominantly found in Chinese foods, frozen dinners and soup mix.

Too much caffeine can be a trigger, but also reducing your intake of caffeine too quickly can also be a trigger.

Environmental Triggers

Many sufferers don't realise that the environment in which they live and work may be one of the causes of their migraine attacks. These environmental factors can be a number of different elements, such as the weather (intense heat or intense cold), hot stuffy working conditions, loud noises, bright or flickering lights, strong smells, excessive use of a computer without a break to name but a few.

Other Triggers

Too little sleep (overtiredness) is often recognised as a migraine trigger, but also the opposite (too much sleep) can also be a problem.

Skipping or missing meals is not a substitute for dieting and in fact can have a detrimental effect not only by triggering a migraine but also your health.

Exercise in general is normally not an issue, but strenuous exercise if you are not used to it can be a factor in triggering a migraine attack.

For the many women who suffer from migraine, they usually find that their attacks quite often become worse during the time of their monthly period.

Emotional factors such as stress, anxiety and worry can also be triggers for a migraine attack.

Certain types of medicines are believed to be triggers for migraines, however if you think that they may be the cause, consult your Doctor first before you stop taking any medication.

Recognise Your Migraine Triggers

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