A migraine trigger is something that temporarily increases a person’s likelihood of developing a migraine headache. For some people with migraine, certain smells, foods, or even changes in the weather may act as migraine triggers.
A trigger might not cause a migraine every time a person encounters it. Sometimes, several triggers together can set off a migraine. These triggers will differ from person to person.
In this article, we discuss various types of migraine triggers, ways of managing them, and when to contact a doctor.
According to the
A
Authors of the review state that those with migraine appear to have an increased sensitivity to bright and flickering lights.
Additionally, people with migraine may have a condition called photophobia. This is a sensitivity to light that may occur even when a person is not having a migraine attack.
Tips to manage
A person may find it helpful to wear sunglasses when they are outside. Moreover, if a person is in an environment with artificial light, they can try to sit closer to the windows. It is also advisable to try to avoid sources of flickering light.
The American Migraine Foundation (AMF) states that green light is unlikely to trigger a migraine. A person can try to find bulbs that emit green light.
People with migraine are more sensitive to sound. Loud or sudden noises may be a migraine trigger for some people, according to
Tips to manage
Avoiding loud noises can be challenging. If possible, a person should avoid spending time in loud and noisy environments, such as movie theaters and crowded clubs. They may also wish to try wearing hearing protection in noisy places.
According to AMF, certain odors can stimulate the nerves in the nasal passages, leading to a migraine headache. Some triggers include:
- perfumes
- household cleaning products
- air fresheners
- gasoline
- strong-smelling foods
The 2014 review notes
Tips to manage
A person experiencing migraines can use unscented products to reduce their exposure to potential triggers.
Foods and ingredients act as triggers in approximately
Potential triggers include:
- aspartame, which is an artificial sweetener
- monosodium glutamate
- caffeine or caffeine withdrawal
- alcohol, especially red wine
- chocolate
- certain fruits and nuts
- yeast
- aged cheeses
- pickled or fermented products
- processed or cured meats
A 2021 study of 3,935 people who experience migraine headaches found that plant food was a trigger for 40.3%, with the headache occurring within about 90 minutes of consuming the food.
The most common trigger in the study was watermelon, which caused a headache in 29.5% of the participants.
Tips to manage
A person can keep a food diary to help identify the foods that trigger a migraine headache.
Learn more about which foods help prevent migraine headaches here.
For example, migraine headaches may occur around the time of a person’s menstruation or during pregnancy. They may also develop in people who start taking birth control pills.
NINDS also states that migraine headaches may improve after menopause.
Tips to manage
For hormone-related triggers, a person can seek guidance from a healthcare professional, such as a headache specialist or gynecologist, to find the most suitable treatment plan.
A person may also wish to try birth control methods to help stabilize their hormone levels.
Emotional reactions and stress may be triggers for some people with migraine. Almost 70% of people with migraine report that stress is a trigger.
Depression and anxiety are other potential causes.
Tips to manage
The AMF suggests a person make a list of stressors and attempt to reduce these in their daily life.
They can also try:
- biofeedback therapy
- meditation
- exercise
- relaxation therapy
- developing or maintaining a regular sleep schedule
Just over a third of people who have migraine headaches say that certain types of weather sometimes bring about a migraine attack.
Research on the role of weather patterns in triggering migraine headaches is so far inconclusive. However, studies suggest that some people with migraines may be sensitive to the following weather changes:
- a drop in barometric pressure
- long periods of sunshine
- strong winds
Other potential migraine triggers
- too much or not enough sleep
- medications
- skipping meals
- overexertion
- motion sickness
- alcohol
- dehydration
If possible, a person with migraine should eat regularly and drink plenty of fluids. They should also aim for 7–8 hours of sleep per night.
People who have migraine attacks at least
Medications that may help prevent migraine attacks include:
- anticonvulsants
- beta-blockers
- calcium channel blockers
- antidepressants
- botulinum toxin A
- Aimovig and similar drugs, which block the action of a molecule called calcitonin gene-related peptide
Learn more about tips and techniques for migraine prevention here.
Medical treatment for migraines involves addressing symptoms of an attack or taking steps to prevent or reduce attack frequency.
The following drugs may ease migraine attack symptoms:
- triptan drugs, which are available as tablets, nasal sprays, and injections
- ergot derivative drugs, which are available as injections and nasal sprays
- over-the-counter pain relievers
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- antinausea medication, also known as antiemetic drugs
- lasmiditan (Reyvow), which is a type of serotonin receptor agonist
A healthcare professional may also prescribe calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) inhibitors. According to the
CGRP inhibitors include:
A person can take several steps to ease symptoms of a migraine attack. These include:
- resting in a dark, quiet room with the eyes closed
- placing an ice pack or cool cloth on the forehead
- drinking plenty of fluids
- consuming a small amount of caffeine
A person may wish to seek guidance from a doctor if their migraine headaches are frequent or severe, especially if symptoms interfere with their daily life.
A doctor may prescribe medication or help develop a treatment plan for the migraines.
A person should seek immediate medical attention if they experience a headache that:
- is severe and co-occurs with a stiff neck, fever, nausea, or vomiting
- is the worst a person has ever experienced
- follows a head injury
- co-occurs with weakness or numbness in any part of the body
- occurs with convulsions or shortness of breath
There are many triggers of migraine headaches, including bright or flashing lights, loud noises, stress, and weather. If possible, a person with migraine headaches should avoid any migraine triggers.
Causes of migraines will vary from person to person. Keeping a migraine diary can help identify these.
Making changes with regard to exercise, diet, and sleep patterns may also help prevent migraine headaches.
A person can use medications to relieve symptoms of a migraine attack or reduce the frequency of future attacks.