Unknown Migraine Triggers

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Migraines are severe, recurring headaches. The literal meaning of the word migraine is "pain on one side of the head", which originated from Greece. Some people frequently experience migraine headaches. But it is not necessary that these migraine triggers will be the same for all people. Different people have different triggers that can set them off.

It is very hard to pinpoint the exact triggers for a migraine. But learning how to spot these triggers will help you avoid frequent migraines headaches and provide you with relief from the pain. A few common migraine triggers are alcohol, loud noises, processed meats and exposure to the sun.

But there are also some uncommon migraine triggers that can give you a splitting headache. These are a few lesser known causes which you have to be wary of if you want to avoid suffering through a migraine headcahe.

Here are some of the uncommon and unusual factors which can trigger a migraine.

Leftovers

Leftover foods are a migraine trigger. If the food is not stored properly or left out for too long, you should avoid eating it. Be vigilant during parties and functions. Refrain from eating food left unrefrigerated for a long duration of time. Make sure you store food in airtight containers or in the fridge.

Stress

Whenever you suffer from a complex emotional problem, it will trigger a migraine. Stressful events are another migraine trigger. During such events, the brain releases chemicals to deal with the situation which aggravate vascular changes that cause a migraine.

Caffeine

Excess consumption of caffeine will trigger migraines. But suddenly stopping the consumption of caffeine will result in more intense migraines. Since the blood vessels become sensitized to caffeine, a sudden drop in caffeine consumption will cause the body to have withdrawal symptoms, including migraines.

Environment

Your environment or surrounding conditions are an important trigger for migraines. Some people get migraine when they smell a strong perfume. This cannot be avoided when you are using a common space. Other people get migraines when there are flickering lights nearby.

Menstrual Periods

Sometimes, migraines occur before or during a woman's menstrual periods. A woman will frequently suffer migraine, along with menstrual cramps. These migraines usually take place due to a drop in estrogen levels. This can be avoided by consuming a balanced diet and exercising regularly.

Skipping Meals

Skipping meals will definitely act as a migraine trigger. Your body will be exhausted from the lack of nutrition. This excess fatigue will result in migraine.

Sleep

If you do not catch your regular 8 hours of sleep, you will feel a migraine attack coming the next day. Changes in normal sleeping patters are migraine triggers. So stop those late night activities and catch some shut eye.

Chocolate

Chocolates or any food item that contains cocoa, are major migraine triggers. This is due to the phenylethylamine contained in cocoa, which might lead to the expansion and contraction of the blood vessels.

Fish

If the fish is old, canned, marinated or tenderised, it will definitely trigger your headache. This is because they usually contain preservatives with nitrates. This means that you have to avoid canned tuna and sardines, as well as smoked salmon.

Red Wine

Drinking too much red wine or any dark alcohol is sure to bring on a migraine. So if you have to drink alcohol, and then opt for vodka, as it is less dangerous than red wine when it comes to migraines.

Artificial Sweeteners

Another trigger for migraines is artificial sweeteners, so take care when you contemplate using them instead of regular sugar. This is because they contain aspartame, a well-known migraine trigger. So avoid diet drinks, low-calorie desserts and sugar-free candies.

Anxiety

Frequently worrying about a certain subject will trigger a migraine. The level of anxiety will be proportionate to the severity of the migraine. The emotions surrounding anxiety will increase muscle tension and dilated blood vessels. This can strengthen the intensity of the migraine.