The Migraine Trigger Checklist: Find Out What's Causing Your Headaches

Why it matters: Many foods, especially those that contain tyramine (the product of an amino acid breaking down), can trigger migraines in people who are susceptible to them. Tyramine, for example, is thought to contribute to the constriction and dilation of blood vessels. But what might bother one person may have no effect on another, so you need to pay attention to the foods you ate before a headache set-in. Some of the most common food triggers are ripened cheeses, chocolate, sour cream, nuts, peanut butter, herring, sourdough bread, citrus fruits, caffeinated beverages, chicken livers, and alcohol (especially red wine), and foods that are fermented, pickled, marinated, or contain nitrates (like bacon and hot dogs) or MSG (soy sauce, meat tenderizers).

Why it matters: Strong perfume, flickering lights, a movie screen in a darkened theater, or sunshine flickering through the trees are all examples of environmental changes that can precede the onset of a migraine for some people. Try to remember if there was any noticeable change in your surroundings in the moments before a migraine hit. Identifying the outside factors that bring on the pain can help you avoid them.

Why it matters: The drop in estrogen before a menstrual period is believed to bring on migraines in some women. Noticing if menstruation influences your headache frequency can help your doctor target your treatment.

Why it matters: Stress is the most common migraine trigger. The thinking goes that people who suffer from these debilitating headaches are highly sensitive and that anxiety, worry, shock, or sadness can all lead to the release of certain brain chemicals that can cause a headache. Conversely, the release that follows periods of stress can also lead to migraines, which could be one of the reasons migraines often hit on the weekends. Learning if stress is a trigger for you can help you choose stress-relieving techniques to keep headaches at bay.

Why it matters: The brains of people who suffer from migraines like a consistent environment. Sudden changes in routine are thought to contribute to imbalances in brain chemicals that can initiate an attack. When a migraine comes, try to remember if you stayed up late, slept in, skipped a meal, or altered your routine in any other way. You may discover that rather than being the hobgoblin of little minds, consistency is the key to a pain-free one.