What's causing you migraines ?

Triggers

Whilst the attacks may come and go, the disease remains. There are a variety of factors that may come together to produce a migraine episode. Ideally, it is possible to control the frequency of attacks by managing the triggers. Common triggers: emotional stress, food, physical stress and environmental factors.

Emotional stress

These emotional imbalances are known to affect migraine: anger, depression, excitement, shock, tension and worry.

Food

The affect of diet on a migraine varies according to the individual, although dehydration and infrequent meals/fasting/dieting are triggers common to all types of migraine.

Physical stress

These physical imbalances are known to affect migraine:

1. eye strain
2. clothing that constrict the head or neck
3. over-exertion
4. physical tension
5. change in routine
6. change in sleep patterns
7. tiredness
8. travelling

Environmental factors

Migraine can cause a person to develop physical intolerances:

1. bright light - supermarket lights & car headlamps
2. flickering or flashing lights - televisions & computer screens
3. loud noise
4. intense or penetrating smells
5. smoking
6. stuffy atmosphere - central heating

Balance

Trying to figure out which specific trigger produces a migraine attack can be frustrating; and may lead to anxiety. Finding balance can be difficult because nothing in life is fixed and stable.

Healthy lifestyle

Healthy habits such as tai chi, regular meals, drinking water and good sleep will all improve your balance. Taoism and tai chi encourage a way of living that is low stress and easy going. The risk of attack is reduced.