Common Triggers
Physiological (not psychological) trigger or
triggers cause an expansion of the blood vessels in the brain, which triggers
nerve endings to release chemical substances called neurotransmitters, of which
the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HTT) is an important factor in the development
of Migraine.
Migraine triggers are categorized as controllable
and uncontrollable.
Uncontrollable triggers include weather patterns
(rain, high heat and humidity) and hormonal fluctuations (menstrual cycles,
pregnancy).
Controllable triggers include bright light, chemical
smells, second-hand smoke, particular alcohols such as red wine and some hard
alcohols such as scotch, foods that are known vasodilator such as fish, some
chocolate, aged cheese, and foods which contain nitrates and/or the radical
vasodilator MSG.
The severity and frequency of Migraines for one
person depends upon how many triggers an individual must experience before a
Migraine is induced. The combination of triggers is different for each person.
Finding Help
- Migraine can bring on a host of other serious physical conditions: strokes, aneurysms, permanent visual loss, severe dental problems, coma and even death so please make sure you see your doctor.
- Keep a "headache diary" so that you can give a detailed account of the frequency and severity of your migraines to your physician.
- Ask your Primary Doctor for a referral to a neurologist.
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