Guest Author - Nicole Miller

In the world of migraine sufferers, triggers are referred to as what causes, or "triggers", the symptoms of a migraine headache. Unfortunately, what symptoms a person experiences can be as unique to the individual as what triggers them. And the list of potential triggers is seemingly endless. For most migraine sufferers, it is not one or a few triggers that often cause migraines, but several different triggers that often work in combination. It can be a long and difficult process, however, determining what your migraine triggers are can ultimately help in the prevention and treatment of future migraines.

Food Triggers
Not surprisingly, certain foods or combinations of foods can trigger migraine headaches. After all, you are what you eat. Foods that are often found on the lists of the worst migraine triggers include things such as:

• Red wine
  
• Certain cheeses
  
• Deli meats
  
• Caffeine
  
• Chocolate
  
• Bananas
  
• MSG (such as in soy sauce and Chinese foods)
  
• Citrus fruits
  

Light and Sound
Your five senses are directly connected to your brain by constantly delivering messages about your environment. The symptoms of a migraine often include sensitivity to light and sound, but these things can be triggers too. Limit exposure to:

• Bright light or sunlight
  
• Strobe light effects or flickering light (such as television)
  
• Loud noises and music
  

Smells/Odors
The nose knows that strong smells or odors can also trigger migraine headaches. Like the eyes and ears, your nose sends messages directly to your brain. Think about what smells seem strong and overwhelming to you and try to avoid them. Did you know that the following items could trigger migraines?

• Perfume
  
• Cigarette smoke
  
• Fresh paint
  

Stress
Stress is physically and emotionally taxing to your brain and body, and as such can trigger a migraine. Migraine sufferers often experience migraine symptoms after a stressful time, such as a holiday or vacation. When possible, try to limit or reduce your stress during these times. Stress events include:

• Anger
  
• Anxiety
  
• Depression
  
• Excitement
  

Sleep and Diet
Sleep and diet habits, like stress, have a direct affect on your brain and its ability to function. To minimize the risk of these being triggers, make sure you get plenty of sleep and follow a healthy, balanced diet. Migraines can be triggered by:

• Lack of sleep
  
• Skipping a meal or fasting (extreme hunger)
  
• Change in schedule
  

Weather
Weather is all around us and affects many of our day-to-day activities. Unfortunately, weather can also trigger a migraine and bring our day-to-day activities to a halt. Be aware of the following weather events, which are known as common triggers:

• Rising/dropping barometric pressure and or humidity
  
• An extreme rise or drop in temperature (heat wave/cold snap)
  
• Exposure to direct wind or draft
  

Realize, of course, it is impossible to eliminate or avoid all of these triggers at all times. Also, these are not always triggers for every migraine sufferer. The important thing to remember is that they can be triggers, and if you find yourself with a migraine after exposure to one or several of them, make a note of it. Share the information with your doctor and use your knowledge to work together to identify other triggers and prevent migraines in the future.