More than 30 million Americans suffer from migraine headaches, according to American Family Physician, creating an estimated overall economic impact exceeding $16 billion. The number of missed work days has been estimated between 64 and 150 million, which makes the recognition and treatment of migraines important. The majority of migraines are triggered by known factors, and steps can be taken to avoid exposure to those triggers can decrease migraine frequency.
External Triggers
Environmental triggers of migraines can be related to changes in temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, or altitude. Some migraine sufferers report enhanced sensitivity to strong odors such as fumes from cleaning products, cigarette smoke, perfumes and skin lotions. Migraines also can be triggered by the glare of bright light on a sunny day or by bright flashing lights. Sleep deprivation or any changes in sleep patterns, low blood-sugar levels, and dehydration can also be linked to migraines. Tension related to stressful or emotional events can precipitate migraines as well.
Hormonal Triggers
Migraines are two to three times more common in women, and up to 60 percent of women experiencing migraines will identify menstruation as a trigger. The drop in estrogen levels corresponding with the onset of a period can cause vasoconstriction in blood vessels in the brain, which can precipitate a migraine; however, not all menstrual migraines are related to falling estrogen levels. Birth control pills, thought to be helpful for the treatment of menstrual migraines, can also trigger migraines in susceptible women.
Food Triggers
Almost half of all migraine patients identify food as a trigger, according to Dr. Gerald Smetana in "Archives of Internal Medicine." Alcohol (mostly red wine), chocolate, caffeine, monosodium glutamate (MSG), aspartame, nuts, soy products, and shellfish can provoke migraines. Tyramine, a naturally-occurring chemical found in a variety of foods including aged cheeses and cured meats, overripe and dried fruits, and breads with active yeast extracts, should be avoided. Migraine sufferers often benefit from keeping a detailed food diary so they can identify their specific triggers.
References
- American Family Physician: Management of the Acute Migraine Headache
- The Archives of Internal Medicine: The Diagnostic Value of Historical Features in Primary Headache Syndromes
- American Academy of Ophthalmology: Treatment of migraine and tension-type headache
- The Archives of Internal Medicine: Effects of the Menstrual Cycle on Medical Disorders
- NPR.org: What's Triggering Your Migraine
