As a chronic sufferer, there is nothing more infuriating than hearing the doctor say “we just don’t know what causes migraine”. Because without a cause, how can we ever hope for a cure? It blows my mind that modern medicine is falling behind with migraine – despite 1 in 7 people in the UK recorded as a migraine sufferer. But what sufferers can focus on in the hope of avoiding an attack, are triggers.

Some sufferers report the following triggers:

1. Hormonal changes: it is no surprise that with women more impacted than men in the world of migraine, that hormones likely play a part. Some women experience menstrual migraines, with attacks more frequent or severe in the lead up to and during their period. Some sufferers may benefit from going on the progesterone-only-pill to stabilise hormones, or alternative practitioners sometimes recommend a daily intake of GLA starflower oil.
2. Emotional triggers: Stress. The big ‘s’ word in today’s society – can be known to increase the severity and frequency of migraine attacks. There are stories of people who quit their high powered stressful jobs to only find they quit their migraines too. Conversely, some sufferers even report weekend stress release migraines – which are headaches triggered by the sudden relief of stress after a busy week. Other emotional triggers can include depression, anxiety, grief and even shock.
3. Physical causes: Tiredness or simply disturbed sleep, neck tension, poor posture, and physical overexertion have all been linked to migraines. Cervicogenic headaches and migraines are often linked, and it can be worth having your neck assessed by a trained physiotherapist too. Jet lag and low blood sugar can also act as triggers.
4. Environmental triggers: Flickering lights, bright sunshine, certain smells, temperature changes and second hand smoke – all possible triggers.
5. Dietary triggers: The jury is out in the medical world as to whether foods trigger migraines, or whether sufferers simply crave certain foods in the lead up to an attack. However, some sufferers pinpoint alcohol (specifically red wine or alcohol induced dehydration…aka a hangover), unstable caffeine consumption, cured meats, chocolate, cheese, tyramine containing foods and citrus fruits as triggers. Most often, doctors place focus on ensuring regular mealtimes, to avoid dips in blood sugar.
6. Medications: the combined contraceptive pill, some sleeping tablets, and overuse of pain medication can lead to migraines and rebound headaches.

What is clear, is that the issue of migraine triggers is a complex one – and it can feel like a bit of a minefield. Finding the right trigger can be a stab in the dark, and for many sufferers it can lead to desperation when they can’t seem to find their specific trigger/s.

Perhaps, it is most important to focus on ensuring a healthy lifestyle across the board – with a prioritising of regular mealtimes to stabilise blood sugars, adequate hydration and stress busting activities such as cardio, yoga, breathing exercises and mindfulness – or whatever brings you happiness and relaxation.