General information about migraine trigger factors

It is thought that trigger factors are implicated in about 40% of people's attacks, so a good trigger-management strategy can be a very powerful tool in helping you manage your migraine better

Certain foods, drinks, situations or environmental conditions may precipitate or bring on a migraine. It is important to recognise that everyone's trigger factors are highly individual and that even the most common ones may not be detrimental to you at all.

Below is a list of some of the most common ones:

Travel (motion sickness)
Sleep related triggers - sleep deprivation or disturbance, Irregular sleeping patterns, too much sleep
Changes in routine e.g changing to shiftwork
Increases in stress or anxiety levels. Excitement or other positive stressors.
Foods and Beverages - Cheese, chocolate, Products containing MSG (e.g. hot dogs, Chinese food), citrus fruits, dairy products, nuts, wheat, fatty foods, nitrates and marinated or pickled foods. Keeping your diary accurately may point out a pattern over time. Trace your diet back 48 hours before the onset of migraine to see what you have eaten. Don't unnecessarily eliminate the entire list above from your diet. They may not be responsible at all for your attacks and a mass elimination policy can also be dangerous to your health.
Lack of food, delayed meals, irregular eating patterns, fasting and dieting (all lead to lowered blood sugar levels)
Alcohol especially red wine
Caffeine products or withdrawal from caffeine,
Hormonal changes in Women. Puberty, Menstruation, Pregnancy, HRT and Menopause are all potential triggers.