Migraine: Types of Migraine, Symptoms, Signs, Causes, Risk factors Diagnosis, and Treatments
Migraine Triggers
Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes in women before, during, or after the menstrual period may trigger migraine (Menstrual migraine). Many women only have migraine attacks related to the menstrual period (2 days before up to 3 days after the period). Some women may experience improvement or worsening related to pregnancy and menopause. Also, oral contraceptives and hormonal replacement therapy worsen or improve the migraine.
Emotional disturbances (like stress, anxiety, depression, and tension) may initiate changes in the brain’s blood vessels that lead to migraine.
Intense physical activity, such as vigorous exercise and sexual activity
Weather changes; severe hot or cold weather and humidity changes
Bright light, loud sounds, and strong smells
Abnormal sleep patterns; inadequate or too much sleep
Medications that affect hormones, such as oral contraceptives, or blood vessels, such as Nitroglycerin (vasodilator)
Skipped, delayed, or irregular meals
Alcohol abuse and smoking
Caffeine products, such as coffee and tea, may trigger migraine attacks; however, caffeine may treat acute attacks.
Foods such as chocolate, citrus fruit, Aged cheese, cured meat, soy sauce
Food additives, such as nitrates (in hot dogs and cured meat), monosodium glutamate, and aspartame (artificial sugar)