Why Identifying Your Migraine Triggers Is So Important

Many people think migraine is just a bad headache, but it isn’t. Though pain can be one of its symptoms, migraine is actually a neurological disorder characterized by attacks composed of numerous symptoms.

Migraine also differs from the common tension-type headache (TTH) in that over-the-counter pain relievers don’t alleviate the symptoms. Managing symptoms involves a combination of preventive and abortive medications, as well as lifestyle changes.

Migraine is a common disorder that, according to the Migraine Research Foundation, is the sixth-most disabling disease worldwide. And one in four families in the United States has someone living with chronic migraine, meaning 15 or more migraine days each month.

At the offices of board-certified anesthesiologist Dr. Michael Kullman, our staff is well-versed in diagnosing and treating migraine disease. Part of that is helping our patients learn to identify their triggers — food, environmental pollutants, an underlying medical condition, or even a change in the weather. When you know what’s likely to set off an attack, you’re better prepared to prevent the attack from getting started.

All about migraine

Doctors are still researching the specific cause(s) of migraine; however, most believe there’s a genetic link since the condition often runs in families. Most likely, some environmental factor triggers the genetic aspect of the disorder.

A migraine attack contains four discrete phases, though you can have just one, or any combination of the four. In order of occurrence, they are:

1. Prodrome

This is the “build-up” phase, which starts roughly one to two days before the pain hits; it’s a signal that an attack is coming. You may yawn uncontrollably, experience mood swings, and struggle to think clearly.

2. Aura

Migraine attacks can happen with or without aura; a person generally experiences only one of these types.

Those who get an aura may see visual distortions like lightning bolts (the most common), have muscle weakness, or garble their speech. This phase lasts about 20-30 minutes and leads right into the next one.

3. Pain

The pain may start gradually or hit all at once. It often creeps up the back of your neck and settles on one side of your head, where it throbs incessantly. Movement makes the pain worse. You also experience neurological symptoms such as sensitivities to light, sound, odors, and touch; nausea and vomiting; and vertigo. This phase can last anywhere from 4-72 hours.

4. Postdrome

Even when the pain ebbs, the attack still isn’t over. The last phase is called postdrome, and it feels a lot like a post-adrenaline crash. You’ll likely feel weak, tired, and mentally foggy for a couple more days.

Migraine triggers

Though you can’t do anything about your genetics, you can do something about your migraine triggers. Identifying what triggers your attacks helps you learn how to prevent them.

We suggest keeping a migraine diary. Jot down everything that happens when you develop an attack, including your emotions, your physical condition, where you were, and anything you had to eat or drink.

Some of the most common triggers include:

Stress
Changes in the weather
Sleep deprivation
Hormonal changes
Sights and sounds
Hunger and dehydration
Food and drink
Tobacco

Food and drink are some of the most common triggers for a large part of the migraine population. But just because something triggers a response in you, it doesn’t mean it will do the same for anyone else. The trick is to discover what affects you.

Here are some likely culprits in the food and drink category:

Processed foods: includes cured meats, cereals, bread, and microwaveable meals
Caffeine: may trigger an attack or ease migraine symptoms
Dairy products: yogurt, aged cheeses, milk, and ice cream
Alcohol: even a sip can be too much; usually triggered by red wine
Food additives: includes monosodium glutamate (MSG), nitrates, and nitrites

It’s possible to have more than one trigger or a trigger that provokes an attack only some of the time. It’s also possible to have unknown triggers, meaning you can’t point to anything specific that sets off the attack.

Learning to identify your migraine triggers is key to helping control the frequency and severity of your attacks. To learn more about migraine or to get treatment, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kullman. Call the office at 914-465-2882, or visit our website for more options.