Migraine Triggers
Some people say that certain things in their life, such as stress, food, drink and hormones, make their migraines worse.
The exact reason why a migraine occurs is unknown. However, research suggests that attacks are linked to chemical changes in the body and that blood vessels and certain nerve cells in the head are involved.
These changes appear to be triggered in susceptible people by stress.
Other triggers reported are:
* Physical fatigue or lack of sleep
* Too much sleep
* Certain foods such as cheese and alcohol
* Extreme emotions
* Missed meals
* Hormonal factors, such as use of the contraceptive pill and periods
The Migraine Trust has produced a comprehensive factsheet on migraine triggers which can be downloaded here for free: http://www.migrainetrust.org/module_images/Factsheet3Triggers.pdf
Exercise is sometimes cited as a migraine trigger – the Migraine Trust have a free fact sheet on this too: http://www.migrainetrust.org/module_images/FactSheet10Exercise.pdf
The Migraine Action Association also runs a helpline on: 01932-352468.
