Migraine Triggers
Migraines are little understood in terms of definite, specific causes, with the one inalienable fact being that they are excruciatingly painful to those unfortunate enough to be afflicted. There are also different types of migraines, and certain potential triggers to cause one of these to manifest have been suggested and can vary from person to person.
The first possible trigger, and one that most people will be immediately aware of if they are migraine sufferers, is diet. Diet is a very personal thing in relation to possible migraine triggers, and every sufferer will have different lists of items to avoid. Among the foods are alcohol, cheese, caffeine, citrus fruits, onions, nuts, milk, garlic and wheat. Chocolate may also trigger a migraine in some, although paradoxically the desire to consume chocolate just before the onset of a migraine is quite common as sufferers often crave sweet foods at this time. Taking irregular meals and missing meals can also cause a migraine attack as either will cause a change in blood sugar levels.
It is also thought that migraines in women may be caused, at least in part, by hormonal fluctuations. Some women suffer menstrual migraines before, during or after a period, with many suffering their first migraine the same year as their first period. Women often find that their migraines are even more extreme during menopause, and in such cases hormone replacement therapy can be effective.
Pregnancy, with its concomitant hormonal changes, can also have an effect on the frequency and severity of migraines. Some mothers-to-be find that they are migraine-free until they discontinue breast-feeding, whilst other find that their migraine attacks worsen during the first three months of pregnancy.
Sleep can also be a factor with migraines, with either too much or too little being implicated in migraine attacks. It is important, therefore, to ensure that you keep to a regular sleeping pattern.
Further to this, stress can be a common trigger and as stress can build and build all too often in our hectic, modern world it is important to take time to relax and manage your stress levels where possible.
Paradoxically, migraines can also be trigger when a sufferer begins to relax, particularly after a period of intense stress such as working in the run-up to Christmas followed by a restful holiday period. As a result it is vital for sufferers to keep their medication on hand at all times to lessen the impact and cut down on time lost to migraines.
Environmental factors can also play their part as trigger mechanisms. Bright and flashing lights can bring on an attack, as can bright sunshine and heavy weather. Bright computer screens can also be a precursor to a migraine attack. Much like foods environmental factors are very much an individual thing and will typically vary from person to person.
Physical exercise is another paradox where migraines are concerned. Light physical exercise can be beneficial for sufferers, whereas more strenuous exercise can precipitate a migraine. As ever it is important for individuals to learn exactly what triggers their migraines and adapt accordingly.
