Common Migraine Triggers to Avoid

Discover the most common triggers and how to avoid them when suffering from migraines.

A migraine can seem to come out of nowhere and disrupt your entire day. Migraine severity and symptoms can vary from person to person, however, knowing your common migraine triggers and how to avoid them are the keys to preventing the frequency and severity of their sudden onset.

What is a Migraine vs. Regular Headache?

A migraine tends to be more severe than the typical headache many experience. A headache is just one symptom of a migraine. In comparison to a regular headache, migraines bring about other difficulties, like nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, and an increase in throbbing pain with activity. Migraines are classified as a neurological disease, and like a headache, migraines have no exact treatment or cure, only medications and prevention techniques that may alleviate the frequency and level of symptoms. 

5 Common Migraine Trigger and How to Avoid Them

1. Stress

The most common culprit for migraines tends to be elevated stress levels—not only the stress of daily life but the stress of not knowing when your next migraine will attack. It may seem like a never-ending cycle. Stress is typically unavoidable but can be managed using techniques. People use a wide variety of strategies to relieve stress, like exercise, meditation, therapy, and more. 

2. Changes to routine

The slightest change in your daily routine can provoke the start of a migraine, from variations in your sleep schedule to when you are eating your meals. If you suffer from migraines, it is important to try to maintain an everyday routine where daily activities occur at the same time.

3. Food and drinks

There is a long list of foods and drinks known to trigger a sudden migraine. What may affect one person may not affect another, so it is important to use your best judgment when eliminating foods and drinks known to bring about migraines. Here are some popular food items: 

• Chocolate 
• Cheese 
• Nuts
• Red Wine 
• Artificial Dairy Products 

For a complete list, click here. 

4. Hormones

For women, changes in hormones during menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or contraception can trigger a migraine. When it comes to hormones, meeting with an expert professional will help you choose the correct treatment for your hormone-induced migraines.

5. Weather change

Sudden changes in the temperature, air pressure, and seasons can cause a sudden migraine attack. If you know the weather is a trigger for your migraines, it is important to watch the weather forecast and make adjustments.

Avoiding Migraine Triggers is Not Working

Everyone’s experience with migraines is different. Certain migraine triggers are avoidable, and some are not. If you are experiencing severe migraines and need help managing them, you may need to seek the assistance of an expert medical professional to decide on your unique treatment plan.

Cabot Emergency Hospital’s expert team of board-certified physicians are here for you 24/7 to help immediately alleviate any symptoms you may experience. Our advanced technology and innovative treatments have you and your loved ones back to daily life quickly. For compassionate and convenient emergency room care, visit us today!

Disclaimer: As a service to our readers, Cabot Emergency Hospital and Nutex Health state no content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.