MIGRAINE TRIGGERS
Migraine “triggers” are the sights, scents, sounds, liquids, foods and feelings that can often cause the development of a migraine in an individual. Migraine triggers can vary from person to person but it is important for individuals to pay close attention to the things that they consume or experience prior to getting a migraine so that those triggers can be better identified. Some individuals do not have a specific trigger while others have many. This article will discuss triggers in more detail and help to identify those migraine triggers that commonly affect individuals.
Triggers of consumption are those triggers that can be taken into the body. These triggers generally contain an additive or chemical that interacts with the chemicals in the body to trigger a migraine response. Such triggers include: smoked foods, red wine and other alcohols, several different types of nuts, foods preserved with nitrates such as hot dogs, beverages containing caffeine, and nicotine. If known, these triggers can be very easily controlled by the individual.
Other triggers include: Light, odors or smells, stress, and weather. Light triggers can be caused by flickering lights, very bright lights, or reflective light and often trigger a migraine due to the extreme effect on the eyes. Odors or smells such as large amounts of perfume, cigar or cigarette smoke, and strong smelling cleaning products can often trigger a migraine due to the strong effect that they have on the olfactory senses. Stress is a given. Migraines due to stress often occur after an individual has been under pressure or emotional strain and are often confused with tension headaches.
Weather pressure also has a large affect on the migraine. The changes in weather can easily trigger a migraine due to the change in barometric pressure in the atmosphere. Humidity, temperature, and over exposure can all be triggers for migraines. Individuals who notice that these play a role in their migraines should be prepared with medication during common times of seasonal change.
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