Migraine triggers - the myths
Whilst trigger factors are important in certain migraine patients, they’re not as responsible as people might think. Food is one so-called trigger, often blamed for setting off an attack - but dietary sensitivities actually affect no more than 20% of migraine sufferers.
Many people who suffer will experience cravings for sweet or savoury foods, such as chocolate and cheese shortly before their attack. A connection is then made between this headache and that particular food.
However, these cravings are probably premonitory symptoms signalling the headache’s arrival, and not triggers. In fact, in many cases there is no obvious trigger. A few people will notice a link between certain foods and a migraine attack, but the foods may not trigger it. More than one trigger needs to be present to tip someone across the threshold which then results in the attack. So the food may simply tip the balance. However, under different circumstances, without other factors present, a migraine may not occur.
There needs to be a distinction between predisposing factors and triggers. Certain predisposing factors are well known and whilst they might not be avoidable, they may be treatable. For example, stress, menstruation and the menopause.
What could trigger a migraine?
• Missing meals – which causes blood sugar levels to drop
• Not drinking enough fluids – you become dehydrated
• Too much or too little sleep – sleepless nights lead to overtiredness which triggers a migraine. Equally if you have too much sleep – a lie in at the weekend you could well have an attack. This is because the cause of the change in sleep pattern – stress and relaxation are, in fact the triggers.
• Anxiety and stress – Many people find they suffer an attack after the stress has passed. For example at the weekend when they are relaxing.
• Hormonal changes – women are three times more likely to suffer with migraine than men
• Exercise – if you’re not used to it and you overly exert yourself, this might bring on an attack
Find out how to spot the 147 varieties of headache
Migraine or just another headache?
Source: The British Association for the Study of Headache
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