<p>Nearly 30% of people experience aura! <a href='http://migraine.com/migraine-types/migraine-with-aura/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer nofollow'>http://migraine.com/migraine-types/migraine-with-aura/</a></p>
medeann
October 25, 2014
<p>I've had migraines since I was 6 years old and have only pinpointed 3 major triggers: <br>
1.) Stress/Getting over excited <br>
2.) Skipping too many meals <br>
3.) Changes in barometric pressure <br>
I wouldn't say bright lights,smells, strobing lights or loud noises trigger the migraines, they just seem to be aggravating factors once I'm already in "migraine-mode"</p>
not found
September 3, 2011
<p>WEATHER (CHANGES)</p>
not found
September 3, 2011
<p>potato peelings, some artifical food flavorings.</p>
not found
September 3, 2011
<p>my worst is when I mix tea and coffee within 6 hours of each other!</p>
jennjenn
September 3, 2011
<p>alcohol, smoke, stress, weather changes and heat.</p>
<p>Hunger, I've been told by Doctors I have an extremely high Metabolism and anything I eat burns up fast, so literally I have to try to eat as much as possible to keep me satisfied and Migraines away, and no I don't gain weight at all (170lb@44yrs old and have been this weight for as long as I can remember) lol also too much sleep, not enough sleep, I range in the 6hr area, more or less and I get severe Migraines.</p>
not found
September 3, 2011
<p>Hormones, certain perfumes, and stress.</p>
not found
September 6, 2011
<p>Men in general</p>
not found
September 6, 2011
<p>How TRUE BRYCE! LOL</p>
not found
September 3, 2011
<p>alcohol</p>
not found
September 3, 2011
<p>Fragrances, Stress, MSG!</p>
not found
September 3, 2011
<p>Insomnia</p>
not found
September 3, 2011
<p>Science project on simple machines would be my trigger!</p>
not found
September 3, 2011
<p>Ha! VA scrap book tops any science project!</p>
not found
September 3, 2011
<p>the auras and flashes I get then I know a migraine is starting.</p>
not found
September 3, 2011
<p>aspertame, bright lights (eye exams = migraine), weather changes, red wine, stress let down. I know that's not one word, but one word doesn't' get it.</p>
not found
September 4, 2011
<p>bad mood</p>
not found
September 4, 2011
<p>stress</p>
not found
September 4, 2011
<p>extreme hunger. worst migraines (cause sound sensitivity, smell sensitivity, dizzyness, nausea, the whole shebang) but they are the easiest to cure, though, if I force myself through the pain and symptoms to eat.</p>
not found
September 4, 2011
<p>i dont really have anything that triggers migraines though, for me they just happen out of nowhere.</p>
not found
September 4, 2011
<p>Weather, stress, aspartame, MSG, strong smells, lights, sounds, being around a lot of people very long...</p>
<p>CHANGING WEATHER!!!!!!! the older type fluorescent lights are a close 2nd.</p>
not found
September 4, 2011
<p>can't</p>
not found
September 4, 2011
<p>too many for one word...🙁</p>
not found
September 4, 2011
<p>Weather</p>
not found
September 4, 2011
<p>MSG, weather changes.</p>
not found
September 4, 2011
<p>Chocolate, Stress, Overheating, Active Windshield Wipers, Looking at Fans, or Looking up for any length of time, Windy Roads, Pita Bread and Chips, Bagels, Strong Perfume, Neck Spasms....</p>
not found
September 4, 2011
<p>Also, Not Eating is really bad, and Loud Pounding Music can increase a headache, any Steady, Flashing Light, Fluorescent Lights that are about to die--awful!</p>
not found
September 4, 2011
<p>Stress!</p>
not found
September 6, 2011
<p>When I used to have migraines my worst trigger was also stress. One day when I was working at the bank, I lost my eyesight is how bad my migraine was. I don't think I've had more than five migraines in the last twenty eight years, but used to have two or three a week before I got done at the bank.</p>
not found
September 4, 2011
<p>In a word, my worst trigger is STRESS.</p>
not found
September 4, 2011
<p>Weather changes, red wine, any aged products such as cheeses, strong lights, strong smells. I had surgery for Trigeminal Neuralgia and since than, I think its worse because my senses are hypersensitive.</p>
slbiemans
September 4, 2011
<p>Chocolate, Alcohol, aged Cheese</p>
not found
September 5, 2011
<p>LIGHTS!</p>
not found
September 5, 2011
<p>Migraines BITE! (When I first glanced at this, still stuck in tropical storm mode, I thought you'd just gotten power back and was ready to celebrate, but BOO on migraines.)</p>
not found
September 6, 2011
<p>Especially CAMERAS</p>
not found
September 5, 2011
<p>No matter where you go, you always take the weather with you.</p>
<p>stress, barometric changes, red food and sauces, salt</p>
not found
September 6, 2011
<p>Stress, bright lights, flashing lights, heat, red dye #40, (its in just about everything) MSG, smells, (perfumes) barometric pressure (thunder storms) wind shield wipers, constant noise, Maple flavoring, and too many more to count.</p>
<p>Michelle, You can go to this site and it has a migraine diary. I have found this site to be very hepful. LOAD's of information. Check it out...</p>
not found
September 8, 2011
<p>Chocolate and I love it, also weather.</p>
not found
September 8, 2011
<p>loudness and bright lights.</p>
not found
September 8, 2011
<p>Menstruation, I have learned that is causes a totally different migraine that is harder to treat. Most my migraines are on the left side of my head for everything else, but menstruation causes a much more severe migraine on the right side, high blood pressure and my medication usually does not help (I can only take two pills in a 24 hour period), so I usually warrant a trip to the ER if I cannot get it under control.</p>
tracynick
February 9, 2014
<p>I am the same. Menstrual migraines are much harder to kill that migraines at any other time of the month. Mid cycle ones are not great, but i can usually kill them with codeine, nurofen and coke.</p>
not found
September 8, 2011
<p>Overheating during sport.</p>
not found
September 9, 2011
<p>anything with vinegar in it, spices, the smell of cinammon, smoke and bright lights!</p>
calliope0915
September 9, 2011
<p>diet soda, barometric changes, too much cheese, hot dogs</p>
not found
September 9, 2011
<p>Without a doubt, RED WINE! Any alcohol, weather, stress, flashing light.</p>
not found
September 9, 2011
<p>Breathing? wish I could identify one...it's there when I wake and go to sleep.</p>
not found
September 9, 2011
<p>Msg, some perfumes, very strong odors like desinfectant or air fresheners.</p>
not found
September 10, 2011
<p>loud noise & bright light.</p>
trinkh
September 10, 2011
<p>weather changes - I'm better than the Weather Channel at predicting the weather!</p>
not found
September 12, 2011
<p>weather changes, bright light, flashing light, (Tea, coffee, or chocolate help) I do have a service dog who can alert up to a day in advance to the weather change so I can be prepared.</p>
not found
September 13, 2011
<p>Scents, bright or flashing lights, overstimulation, weather changes.</p>
swhall7
February 25, 2014
<p>Looking at all of these posts it seems many of us share a great deal of the same triggers...I originally only listed one as that is what the question asked for!! <br>
Another similarity my daughter and I who live 40 miles away from each other most often have a migraine on the same day! Looking at the triggers many share, I'm no longer surprised. I'm amazed at how many are affected by the weather and barometric pressure!</p>
<p>Strong odors, weather, not getting enough rest.</p>
not found
September 17, 2011
<p>whiteness, whether lights or a lot of white someplace.</p>
not found
September 17, 2011
<p>Popcorn, chocolate, and weather.</p>
reama
April 17, 2014
<p>Wow, popcorn...even plain air popped popcorn with nothing on it? <br>
<br>
Trying to figure out my own triggers, and I eat a lot of popcorn... <br>
<br>
Reama</p>
<p>Do u mean botox like 'get rid of my wrinkles' botox or is it something else? Thats the only thing i can think of!</p>
not found
September 19, 2011
<p>Botox - yeah...you got it right. You get around 30 injections. The middle of your forehead, your temples, back of your neck, back of your scalp!</p>
not found
September 19, 2011
<p>MSG and weather.</p>
not found
September 19, 2011
<p>stress and lack of sleep</p>
beccalouwho
September 20, 2011
<p>Weather, I know when a storm is coming. And my cycle.</p>
not found
September 22, 2011
<p>Strong perfume, guaranteed.</p>
not found
September 22, 2011
<p>weather and chemical smells.</p>
not found
September 28, 2011
<p>weather change. hormones are second. combine the two and, well, ya.</p>
not found
November 25, 2011
<p>perfume</p>
sweetp
August 2, 2012
<p>Changes in weather—low pressures/high pressures, thunderstorms, snowstorms, rain. I need to live in Hawaii!!</p>
shabbychicer
March 31, 2014
<p>I am new to this site and feel so much better knowing that I am not the only one who hates the weather changes. Always a trigger. Texas weather is so extreme with temps changing and storms. Reading thru this, I am amazed that it looks like weather just may be the number one trigger yet docs sure don't talk about it much in my opinion.</p>
andreak
October 9, 2014
<p>I second what Kimp says. I did not know so many of us are suffering from weather related triggers. My doctors don't have much to offer about that except "anecdotal reports". Weather changes is my clearest. trigger!!!! <br>
Seems like it is on nearly everyone's list.</p>
steelmagnolia
February 5, 2014
<p>My worst trigger is stupid people and the stress they cause....well I may be being a little facetious here, but seriously... it really gets my blood boiling when others are just plain stupid.</p>
kriscam73
February 9, 2014
<p>Yes, I should have added that to my list! 😀</p>
lulu
March 26, 2014
<p>me too!!!</p>
becky15
February 5, 2014
<p>vitamin d deficiency</p>
elaine
February 6, 2014
<p>Barometric pressure changes. I live on the East Coast, and it seems like we've had so much rain/snow/ice. It's been awful.</p>
mudpye
February 16, 2014
<p>I feel your pain... Literally! I live in VA and it's been a miserable winter for me too. Keeping my fingers crossed for a mild spring and summer!</p>
<p>I've never posted before, only read and used this site as a tremendous resource, but I couldn't resist. My worst triggers are: <br>
<br>
Winter (I have months long cycles in winter), weather/barometric pressure changes. Dehydration and hunger make it worse, much worse.</p>
tracynick
February 9, 2014
<p>My menstrual cycle. Bad one that last 3 days. All my friends have finished their periods, but no.... I have to be the one that carries on.... just when I want to be the one that finishes the darn thing so hope might become reality. One day....</p>
kriscam73
February 9, 2014
<p>Hormones, weather, and odors.</p>
raistlinsghost
February 10, 2014
<p>light</p>
tinkling
February 10, 2014
<p>MSG! Mono sodium glutumate</p>
adamsgran726
February 12, 2014
<p>Me, too. If I inadvertently eat something with MSG, I have a migraine within 30 minutes.</p>
drg7685
February 14, 2014
<p>MSG is a 3 day journey for me as well!</p>
bjn1tu
February 12, 2014
<p>Light</p>
adamsgran726
February 12, 2014
<p>WEATHER. We're having terrible weather in Georgia right now, and I've had a migraine 4 days in a row.</p>
kdbs1960
February 13, 2014
<p>WEATHER! I live in south Alabama and we have crazy weather changes around here! Also stress, strong odors, and bright lights! I have tried everything but Botox. My neurologist hopes I will grow out of them.</p>
drg7685
February 14, 2014
<p>Stress, smells, lack of sleep due to stress!</p>
kellyrobinson
February 15, 2014
<p>Low pressure systems in the weather</p>
jumping
February 15, 2014
<p>Diet Coke</p>
ucme63
February 16, 2014
<p>Scents (mainly Cigarettes and perfumes)</p>
mudpye
February 16, 2014
<p>Barometric pressure. Any slight change in weather, temperature, or an approaching front pretty much guarantees a migraine. My head is the best meteorologist in town!</p>
mattparker
February 16, 2014
<p>My worst trigger is the weather, with a very close behind is smell, Smoke, Pollen, Shampoo and body washes.</p>
<p>In about 20 minutes im going to have a sunlight induced migraine. Yippy</p>
debbiec
February 21, 2014
<p>Flashing lights, barometric pressure.</p>
mhubert
February 21, 2014
<p>Barometric pressure dropping & red onions</p>
February 21, 2014
<p>Chocolate, light, smells, noises, weather - such as humidity, life.</p>
stephmorgan123
February 23, 2014
<p>Alcohol, chocolate, oranges, OJ, onions, riding in cars, riding on planes, trains especially sitting backwards, looking at sunlight through blinds, bright lights, smells, stress, hot weather or storms, too much or not enough sleep, carb overload. Just so so many things</p>
rgriggs
February 23, 2014
<p>Lack of sleep. Eating,</p>
swhall7
February 25, 2014
<p>Hazelnut coffee</p>
onehsancare
February 26, 2014
<p>Perfume! Or cologne. Or aftershave. Or bodyspray. Or scented lotion. <br>
<br>
It's amazing how many products there are that people must not recognize are scented when I say, "Perfumes and other scents trigger migraines for me, so I'd appreciate it if you don't wear any for our meeting next week." (Or they don't care--"Oh, I didn't think you meant bodyspray!" is hard to swallow!)</p>
closetmigraineur
May 17, 2014
<p>I have a hard time trying to decide whether or not to continue asking the same people not to wear fragrance. My roommate does it and when I ask her if she remembered that her perfume triggers my migraines, she just snaps "It'll fade soon" and that's that. I end up getting stuck in the car covering my nose and mouth with a scarf until I can finally get away from it. It makes me feel rude, but I either have to not get in the car at all and ruin our plans or look like a bank robber until I'm outside. <br>
<br>
How do you deal with that situation?</p>
Katie M. Golden Moderator
May 17, 2014
<p>Closet Migraineur,<br>
In cases like this, where people don't listen or don't believe you, I send them articles on the topic to show them you're not making it up and it's a very real issue that many people deal with. Sometimes a third party saying the same thing you have validates your point for others. Give it a try!<br>
-Katie</p>
evelyncraig
February 26, 2014
<p>Bright light. No matter what kind. It really bothers me that I live in fear of the Sun, when I used to love it.</p>
thriftykate
February 27, 2014
<p>Thriftykate-I have read through and concur with most of these triggers. Mine started in my early twenties with erratic sleep patterns and rapidly progressed to debilitating. Daily Inderal helped me alot, but I still cannot come with 50 feet of and MSG or Red wine. The dietary restirictions of Migraine are frustrating to me, and very BORING.</p>
georgian-bay
February 27, 2014
<p>barometer change and lack of sleep.</p>
kischrjo
March 1, 2014
<p>Barometric pressure changes are the worst, i have only had one glass of wine in my life and the migraine that followed kept me from EVER trying again-that was 31 yrs ago, processed meat, exreme heat, big temp changes or storms, bright or fluorescent light, stress, too much or too little sleep and odors-good or bad.</p>
pylowe
March 4, 2014
<p>Red wine. Barometric pressure changes is a close second.</p>
dollyward-paice
March 4, 2014
<p>Large groups of people talking at once, you, that "buzzing" indecipherable conversation of many people.</p>
jgalobart
March 5, 2014
<p>perfume</p>
martiedgar
March 6, 2014
<p>The smell of bleach. Followed very closely by rain.</p>
barryolliver
March 6, 2014
<p>I wish I knew what my triggers are. I'm sure I'll figure it out one day. I've only had migraines for a little over 50 years, so I guess there's still time. <br>
<br>
Having said that, I do know of one definite trigger. Most supermarkets have red tone lighting in the meat section. Being exposed to that light for even less than a minute is guaranteed to bring on a migraine within minutes. Depending on the layout of the supermarket, shopping can be rather hazardous. There is one company I avoid as the meat section runs along the back wall at right angles to the isles in all their shops. It's impossible to avoid the lighting once you get about half way down an isle.</p>
mdselb5
March 7, 2014
<p>I have a lot of triggers. MSG, alcohol, strong smells, bright lights, loudness, estrogen (monthly time), weather changes, stress, lack of sleep, smoke. Th weird thing is the things that are supposed to trigger your migraine is what I crave when I have one,.....like chocolate, cheeses and caffeine which I know is ok in small doses to even help.</p>
free-and-clear
March 8, 2014
<p>synthetic fragrance</p>
jamdr
March 20, 2014
<p>it is THE WORST!</p>
shabbychicer
March 31, 2014
<p>I hate when people wear something that is named a natural name but is anything but. Like vanilla or lavender. I have now gone to making my own scents with the actual oils or buying only naturally scented body products. I hate perfume, to me it all smells like insect spray. Yuck!!</p>
ahoward51
March 8, 2014
<p>Bleach, cigarette smoke, strong light,sometimes hunger. Most of the time I don't know what the heck triggers them but these will also exacerbate them.</p>
melissagflick
March 10, 2014
<p>Artificial sweeteners, MSG, nitrates, onions (both the food & the smell), bacon (the smell & the food), cinnamon (the kind found in crafts or candles), strong odors & perfumes, cleaning products, weather. Also, when my fibromyalgia flares up, and I'm currently recovering from neck surgery, which hasn't helped my migraines any.</p>
teecha14
March 12, 2014
<p>Change in weather seems to be a huge trigger these days...Followed by bright lights(florescent),fragrances like AXE (ugh) and other types of odor cover ups. Wine... Sometimes loss of sleep, dehydration, hunger. If all the stars are in a perfect line...BAM</p>
carrie67
March 19, 2014
<p>I'm the same with weather change. Never bothered me until I got in my 40's and now I can tell when a weather front is coming about 3 days out. AXE bothers me as well....I HATE that stuff!!!! <br>
<br>
Hope you find relief!</p>
chebbot
March 14, 2014
<p>ALCOHOL, MENSTRUATION, MSG/ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS, WEATHER, JAW CLENCHING/GRINDING AT NIGHT (nearly every night)are guaranteed migraines. My job is generally triggering (learning center with children infant-school age)I have psychiatric problems, so when those worsen my migraines do also. Dehydration (I bring water everywhere) hunger, mold/pollen/dust, sinus problems (common for me)...bright lights, heat, high pitched or loud noises, smells(strong perfumes, cleaning products, cigarette smoke) lack of sleep....Life is a trigger. <br>
<br>
And lately exercise has been inducing them, which is upsetting because it used to help my pain and mood tremendously. Sex occasionally does too, and that is starting to affect my relationship.</p>
kritter84
March 27, 2014
<p>I used to clench and grind my teeth at night and I was put on a muscle relaxer by my neurologist. Have you talked to your neurologist about that? This has eliminated my teeth grinding/clenching at night completely. It never hurts to ask! I'm sorry about your pain!</p>
krishna
March 14, 2014
<p>WEATHER, SMOKE (mostly from cigars and cigarettes), MENSTRUATION, MSG, VINEGAR, BRIGHT LIGHTS, HUNGER, LOUD NOISES IN CLOSED AREAS (been ages since i visited a disc+pub). SOME STRONG SMELLS (allergic to most perfumes and deodorants. Thanks heaven, body splash exist). STRAINOUS WORKOUT AT THE GYM (other than cardio). <br>
<br>
Can not just list "one thing" that makes my migraine go bonkers. Have an attack right now.... Migraine just makes life dull and stressful, which in turn is a trigger in itself. lol</p>
damon
March 19, 2014
<p>I can't use any scented stuff, but powders don't seem to bother me?</p>
krishna
March 14, 2014
<p>Weather for me was never an issue, until i moved to this GODDAMN country with its oh so erratic weather! (no offence meant) ... England. After coming here, my "common migraine" has escalated to be "chronic migraine" and i am having months long migraines... <br>
<br>
phewww</p>
mahtamouse
March 14, 2014
<p>Salt!! Any salty food... Mexican, Chinese, Thai, most restaurant and other people's salted cooking. Canned, boxed, processed foods, etc. Being placed on a diuretic has helped tremendously. <br>
<br>
Bright sunlight and early spring sunlight strobing through the new spring tree leaves... I wear sunglasses all year round which has greatly cut down on the amount of sun-induced migraines... and bending over to weed. Flickering fluorescent lights, watching movies in a theater, headlights coming towards me on moonless totally black nights when even the roads are black from rain (I live in the Pac NW). <br>
<br>
That nasty nasty #%&*@ foul smelling so-called "perfume" patchouli, that has come back in vogue!!! The smell of lavender, any overly strong perfume, men's scented deodorants or nasty aftershave. The scented candle department. <br>
<br>
Stress and emotional stress such as a disagreement with my husband, crying, death of a pet or loved one, and did I mention crying? I can't cry. <br>
<br>
Hunger... I often forget to eat until I get a headache. Lack of sleep (less than 6hrs) or too much sleep (more than 8hrs), and staying up too late. LOUD crowded places, smoke, and sometimes for no reason at all. Probably dehydration since I don't drink enough water. <br>
<br>
When I was younger (I'm 59), hormones were a big trigger as well. When I get a small headache it *always* turns into a small nagging headache, which in turn turns into a migraine unless I remember to take 1-2 naproxen while it's still small. For some reason as long as I keep moving, I can ignore a small headache until I literally stop in my tracks or sit down and then BOOM! it's a migraine! If I get an aura... for me a sickeningly sweet smell of death... I know it's going to be a throw up and writhe around in agony, while praying for death... migraine.</p>
mygrainetoo
June 28, 2014
<p>Salt! A migraine trigger - interesting! I have such low blood pressure that I have to carry salt with me in case I need to salt food when I am away from home. During migraine attacks & with all the vomiting that goes with them I have fainted and awakened on the bathroom floor several times. Before I started taking Topamax and Fioricet, getting dehydrated during migraines and being able to keep water or any liquid down was a huge problem.</p>
mahtamouse
July 23, 2014
<p>mygrainetoo... Wow! Me, I'm salt sensitive. The doc told me that my brain swells (not to mention the rest of me, LOL) so he put me on a diuretic 3 times a day (spironolactone). The really ratty part is I crave salty foods and have a general dislike of all things sweet (mom used to say she could always tell my plate at a birthday party because it was the one with the cake carved out and all the frosting left standing intact, LOL). <br>
<br>
I've always had low BP... 96/60... as do all the women in my family. My daughter once stopped at the firestation to have her's checked and after 4 tries, was pronounced "dead", LOL. <br>
<br>
I'm not sure how the spironolactone effects my BP, but I often get dizzy spells and have blacked out for several seconds (only!) at a time... a few times behind the wheel. <br>
<br>
The worst time was last year when my BP plummeted even lower for a 1/2hr. I was sitting down when it happened and could barely stay upright and couldn't have stood if I tried. I broke out into a sweat and had the shakes so bad you'd have thought I was freezing. This has only happened this bad once. <br>
<br>
I've never vomited or completely passed out like you've described, but now I'm thinking maybe I need to drink more water.</p>
lesleylyle-stenico
March 19, 2014
<p>M S G it's in everything!!!</p>
damon
March 19, 2014
<p>Someone asking me what my trigger is! Or oooh I have a "bad" headache it's a migraine!</p>
damon
March 19, 2014
<p>Also I can not wear cologne and my wife no perfume! One day maybe 10-12 years ago in a very very upscale dept store, you know the ladies that offer you a spray or card of what ever sent is hot? Well I avoid them like the....so one walks up behind me a sprays me on the neck, with in one minute I had to sit down! Need less to say I cannot comment on the out come of that or say the store name!</p>
carrie67
March 19, 2014
<p>chocolate after 7 pm</p>
mrst53
March 20, 2014
<p>MSG and any of the diet sugar products, but especially MSG!</p>
mrst53
March 20, 2014
<p>Oh yeah, I forgot, living in Virgina-😀</p>
ivbnw8n4u
March 20, 2014
<p>Weather...I'm fairly certain I have a barometer in my brain.</p>
jamdr
March 20, 2014
<p>Weather</p>
jamdr
March 20, 2014
<p>and perfumes...</p>
magneremily8
March 20, 2014
<p>Weather changes and sports drinks.</p>
magneremily8
March 20, 2014
<p>I also cannot drink sweet alcoholic drinks like Mike's ect..</p>
laburton
March 21, 2014
<p>The weather is definitely my worst enemy, and any aerosol will instantly cause problems, as well as exhaust from a vehicle or plane.</p>
lulu
March 26, 2014
<p>my worst trigger is ANGER!!!! As soon as I get upset (which is everyday)I must grit my teeth and that brings on a migraine!!!</p>
miatejeda21
April 2, 2014
<p>I wear a mouth guard at night that was recommended by my Dentist. It is for grinding my teeth. It made a huge difference in my daily headache level. I have been wearing it for about ten yrs. hope this is helpful. I have one for daytime for stress grinding , too.</p>
vorpalswrd
March 27, 2014
<p>smoke</p>
kritter84
March 27, 2014
<p>Smells (I.E. perfume, cologne, aerosols, etc.)- instant migraine. <br>
<br>
Weather changes are also bad, as this can cause pain for several days. Stress may also do it. <br>
<br>
I actually don't know exactly what my triggers are, as I have daily headaches.</p>
karencurry
April 10, 2014
<p>I have daily headaches but my migraines are hereditary I take a cocktail of meds to control them. The weather affects me big time. I watch for the Low pressure systems to come in and I know I'm not only going to have a severe migraine but also extreme fatigue where I can hardly get out of bed.</p>
andreak
October 9, 2014
<p>I have daily headaches. Weather fronts, rapid barometric changes are a clear trigger. <br>
Flashing lights and glare of natural and artificial light sources are either a trigger or an indication that I already have a headache I'm pushing through or one is Coming. Watch out! <br>
Light sensitivity is a symptom for me but I know flashing lights especially at 10 hz knocks me out cold.A trigger documented in the hospital. <br>
Maybe the computer screen is a trigger. <br>
Maybe dehydration is a trigger. It doesn't help certainly. <br>
All the other forms of sensitivity seem more like symptoms than causes...like scents, foods, sounds <br>
<br>
I'm interested in the "let down" headache trigger someone mentioned. Either I have that or I Push through Headaches in my attempt to have a less isolated life and get home to find I have a terrible Migraine and am deeply fatigued. But I would like to understand if this is more common. <br>
<br>
Truly can't account for the Hour to Hour changes of my headache syndrome with triggers. or anything else. <br>
<br>
Ah for those precious good hours of relative freedom!</p>
sleepyheadcase
March 28, 2014
<p>Xyrem.</p>
freakstar
March 29, 2014
<p>MSG <br>
Sugar <br>
Raw garlic</p>
freakstar
March 29, 2014
<p>Weather and the full moon</p>
shabbychicer
March 31, 2014
<p>Weather. Seriously does anyone know the best place in US to live for Migraines?</p>
willow
April 14, 2014
<p>I was told to move to Arizona</p>
elialden12
April 1, 2014
<p>anything with gluten in it. it takes about two days and BAM - 2 or 3 day migraine. I've been gluten (&dairy) free for almost two years and I have many fewer migraines than I did before, and they don't last as long!</p>
miatejeda21
April 2, 2014
<p>Mine used to be chocolate. I haven't had it in 25 yrs., doesn't bother me. It was never something I really loved. Now, the weather is my enemy. Living in Ky is horrid for changes in Barometric pressure. 🙁</p>
kowlesk
April 21, 2014
<p>I feel your pain! I too live in Kentucky and the past couple of weeks have been the worst! I've also found that while chocolate will make me sick, white chocolate doesn't. I can still satisfy my sweet tooth that way 😀</p>
bridget
April 2, 2014
<p>I'm honestly still figuring it out. I have so many triggers it's frustrating. I feel like a recluse it's hard to have friends because I make plans and boom a migraine. Maybe worry is my biggest trigger but who knows.</p>
hoppy
April 6, 2014
<p>SMELLS. <br>
<br>
ANY fake sugar.(sucralose, acesulfame potassium, acesulfame K, etc) <br>
<br>
some foods (BBQ 'overdose', MSG, spicy foods, etc) <br>
<br>
Flashing lights (so I do my best to avoid seeing police lights/firetrucks/ ambulances, etc) <br>
<br>
Stress. (good luck with THAT one) <br>
<br>
Misaligned Atlas/Axis vertebrae. Thank God for chiropractors!!! <br>
<br>
Sorry.. these are not one-word answers..lol</p>
hoppy
April 6, 2014
<p>FORGOT: <br>
<br>
diesel engines/ exhaust <br>
<br>
any cigarette/drug smoke <br>
<br>
scented candles <br>
<br>
daylight savings time (affects sleep schedule) <br>
<br>
hunger <br>
<br>
wearing hats/ winter hats <br>
<br>
too tight sunglasses (can't do the wraparound-the-head type)</p>
mkeawsh
April 30, 2014
<p>Bingo, ANY fake sugars <br>
<br>
Next on my "to do" list is an appointment with a chiropractor. <br>
<br>
I actually have my incomplete lists further up but decided it would be too long to lists everything. It's nice to see others listing more of mine and more than one. 😀</p>
laurievincent
April 7, 2014
<p>Strong smells such as perfumes and cigarette smoke.</p>
karencurry
April 10, 2014
<p>Sugar and any form of it like honey, fructose, natural sugar in fruits and some artificial sugars like Splenda. It's horrible because I crave sugar, it's like someone addicted to nicotine you have to have it. I start searching for sweet things I can eat to satisfy my craving.</p>
aecarr01
April 11, 2014
<p>Caffeine, alcohol, stress, irregular sleep patterns, hormones... Let me tell you, my triggers have made me feel like a very, very dull 24 year old.</p>
norcalmadre
April 12, 2014
<p>Weather changes. Cigarette smoke and heavy perfumes. Stress.</p>
allboysrock
April 14, 2014
<p>My trigger is stress</p>
willow
April 14, 2014
<p>Sunlight <br>
Light strobing through trees while driving ( the worse ) <br>
Smells <br>
waking up</p>
mkeawsh
April 30, 2014
<p>Understand about the waking up. Before I lift my head from the pillow, I analyze whether it's going to be a good day or a migraine day. 😀</p>
lorisonthego
April 30, 2014
<p>Willow, I started sleeping with a "Bucky" sleep mask. It really helps. Doesn't completely get rid of the morning headaches, but it does help. It has a cushion on the bottom to keep all the light out. The light strobing through the trees is the worst!!</p>
britinycolvin-kazee
April 16, 2014
<p>Hormones, the weather, not getting at least 7 hours of sleep, and smells. Buy I've noticed it's its only the smell of bacon and diesel fuel that makes my head hurt. The bacon part hurts my feelings cause I love bacon, and now the smell of it literally makes my head feel like it's caving in.</p>
jdaniel
April 18, 2014
<p>Weather, inconsistent sleep cycles, chemical smells, perfume, candles, cleaning products. Loud noises, sunlight, heat, and strenuous exercise. Alcohol. I also can't stand fans. Ceiling fans or vents that blow air directly on me cause me to tighten up and within minutes I'm down. It's like I'm over sensitive to everything. I know caffeine is usually a trigger but I'm not sure I could do without it.</p>
waynew
April 20, 2014
<p>Weather is the number one trigger. Strong smells, with smoke being the worse. Also have found that changes in elevation, such as a car trip over a mountain, will trigger one. Plane trips will guarantee a migraine. For the elevation and plane trips, if I take a Sudafed Sinus Headache about a half hour before the trip it stops the migraine from starting. If the migraine has started however, the Sudafed is a waste of time.</p>
bethannd
April 21, 2014
<p>LIFE!</p>
sherrie
April 23, 2014
<p>Weather, bright light, sunlight, loud noise, perfumes, work 7 days a week (fashion designer), stressful marriage, worrying about grown children, not eating, dehydration, insomnia, did i mention stress? So much for one word. <br>
😑</p>
dimplelady
April 24, 2014
<p>Cheese and Chocolate!!!! <br>
What damned luck</p>
crystalrz4
April 25, 2014
<p>Just about Everything!!!</p>
beckysproul
June 21, 2014
<p>I was trying to pin point one specific but you're right! EVERYTHING! Depends on the day and everything else that factors into the situation... maybe a slight lack of sleep and a patient with stinky perfume.... Or on vacation with an elevation change combined with a shot of sunlight off the side mirror into the corner of the eye... so many scenerios...</p>
hfites
April 25, 2014
<p>Stress.</p>
tru2mystyle
April 26, 2014
<p>Stress! Stress from the migraine, side effects of medications, going to medical appointments, not getting relief from the visit, traffic on way home from visit, people calling to see how visit and migraine are, or no one ever calling to see how I am doing, family thinking I need to be more positive, get more exercise or eat better and then my migraine would go away stress. Does anyone know that stress and their advice agrovates migraines? I wish people would study migraine before they give unwanted advice, but really, I just want kindness, compassion, and that people would stop waiting for me to come to their events, and they would come to my quiet world with a good meal.</p>
liesbetr
April 28, 2014
<p>it used to be only 'hormones' or the lack of them during my periods <br>
but now it's: <br>
- stress <br>
- too much exercise (running for one hour is begging for migraine) <br>
- dehydration <br>
- a handbag that's too heavy <br>
and every times there will be een new trigger I didn't find out jet</p>
gmusic
April 29, 2014
<p>Weather.</p>
hospicelvn
April 29, 2014
<p>Bright lights</p>
hospicelvn
April 29, 2014
<p>oh yeah loud noise such as my 2 year old screaming</p>
mkeawsh
April 30, 2014
<p>Just one? Wow, I don't think I can do that. <br>
<br>
Sodium Nitrates!! <br>
MSG! <br>
bright lights, fluorescent lighting-going into Wal-Mart is <br>
terrible, wear sunglasses in there <br>
strobe type flickering <br>
dehydration - I drink half to one gallon of liquid a day - <br>
mostly water <br>
weather change-barometric pressure <br>
<br>
Will just stop there.</p>
mguhin
April 30, 2014
<p>weather</p>
lorisonthego
April 30, 2014
<p>2 things, CHOCOLATE! and strong smells!</p>
snerren
April 30, 2014
<p>Hormonal (pre-menstrual and menstrual) <br>
Exertion (used to do a lot of running and would get a headache after too much exertion) <br>
MSG and other preservatives <br>
Stress <br>
I might have more but still trying to determine them!</p>
reinepapillon
May 21, 2014
<p>That's my list too! I just don't know about MSG. How did you work that one out? <br>
Nice to know I'm not alone. I wish I'd looked this site up earlier!</p>
reinepapillon
May 21, 2014
<p>Oh and barometric pressure for me. That's a biggy.</p>
caottewell
May 1, 2014
<p>Second hand cigarette smoke. Just one whiff triggers an attack in a matter of minutes. Every time, without fail.</p>
jane-ashby
October 8, 2014
<p>That gets me too, very hard because my son-in-law is a heavy smoker. Now he smokes on the balcony when I'm around.</p>
dnese
May 4, 2014
<p>A lot of sunlight(I use umbrellas now-not hats!), dehydration, being overly hungry, extreme stress(arguing w/my mate will bring one on if I was already feeling it coming!), alcohol(50/50-sometimes it does, sometimes not), used to be hormonal & I was so waiting for these to disappear after menopause but unlucky me-they haven't!</p>
mas72143
May 4, 2014
<p>SMELLS</p>
jazzdan
May 4, 2014
<p>Hormones, stress</p>
donnab
May 7, 2014
<p>Seasonal changes, especially spring and fall, odors, smoke, falling barometric pressure, fumes of various kinds. <br>
<br>
As an aside, do any of you also happen to be sensitive in other ways? Would you call yourself "intuitive"?</p>
peeprview
June 1, 2014
<p>Donna! Yes!! I was just wondering about that this morning. I don't know if I could call myself an Intuitive or a HSP, (Highly Sensitive Person). Either way, I bet that has some sort of influence. I would love to see some data about that. Have you read much on Intuitives or HSP's?</p>
meggietye
August 6, 2014
<p>Donna, you are sensitive to have figured that out 😀 I am a highly sensitive and intuitive gal and have been since my earliest memory. I dread summers and we can't go away in the winters anymore. Along with so many others, darned near everything in my life was causing migraines so I have stripped out my closets/fridge etc and started over. I eat NO processed foods and cook from scratch. Life is a bit tougher being super sensitive but it is better than no life at all.</p>
kwaichang
May 7, 2014
<p>Light, especially neon overhead lights in offices and doctors offices. I usually wear my sun glasses indoors for just this reason.</p>
vholdridge
May 13, 2014
<p>Nutmeg, MSG, poppy seeds, red wine (though I can cook with it), sugar substitutes, flickering lights, strong perfume or chemical smells, etc.</p>
cindyd
May 15, 2014
<p>Fluorescent lights are terrible for me . . . also, stress. I have family members with migraines (grandmother, sister).</p>
<p>Fluorescent lights - within minutes... every. single. time.</p>
tracym09
May 24, 2014
<p>The smell of hot Tar makes me violently ill. If I'm on the road I will drive out of my way to avoid a Tar truck. If they are putting new Tar on a roof anywhere near my home, I will go out for the day. It's been this way since 5th Grade!</p>
cheref
May 24, 2014
<p>MSG and all its dirty secret names...like <br>
"natural flavors or natural flavorings" <br>
anything "extract" <br>
anything "enriched" <br>
the list is extensive and being added to every day (it seems!) since the food giants are allowed to call MSG anything they want, any time they want with FDA approval. <br>
It is a nightmare for migraineurs...but no one wants to fight for us. <br>
<a href='http://www.elephantjournal.com/2013/04/sneaky-names-for-msg-check-your-labels/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer nofollow'>http://www.elephantjournal.com/2013/04/sneaky-names-for-msg-check-your-labels/</a></p>
stakemoto
May 26, 2014
<p>msg <br>
yogurt <br>
aged cheeses</p>
jeanyb
May 28, 2014
<p>Lemon juice. I never knew how difficult this was to avoid! Just getting over a 2 day severe migraine, I started to go over what I had eaten the day before and realised I hadn't checked the ingredients on the jar of pasta sauce I'd used. You guessed it, concentrated lemon juice! WHY? It's difficult to find jam and salad dressings without it and I rarely order fish if we are eating out! I'm almost 57 years old, I've had migraine since I was 13, it's time it beggared off!</p>
klp172
June 27, 2014
<p>I read on the back of my lemon juice bottle a warning that said it had sulfites in it - might be worth investigating!</p>
babaj
May 29, 2014
<p>Fluorescent lights (just out of hospital on that one), MSG, odors (like perfume) barometric pressure changes, Chinook winds.</p>
amysue
June 1, 2014
<p>The weather is my worst trigger. A hot, humid, stormy summer is the worst.</p>
mindserver
June 2, 2014
<p>TV</p>
sallianne
June 3, 2014
<p>Glare....</p>
baustin
June 30, 2014
<p>oh! I'm so with you on that one!</p>
margaretcaldwell
June 3, 2014
<p>Weather! </p>
flowers
June 4, 2014
<p>Hunger and insufficient sleep</p>
emkat
June 6, 2014
<p>Smells. Perfume, air freshener, incense. Feel sick just thinking of it!</p>
dragonsflight23
June 10, 2014
<p>My worst triggers that is the only trigger I know of (otherwise I don't know what triggers my migraines & it is extremely frustrating!!!!!) is a change in weather. But it is not the only thing that causes my migraines. I have migraines almost daily. </p>
dr6497
June 10, 2014
<p>SCENTS.... as in perfume, cologne, scents from hairspray, deordorants etc... I get immediately ill, lightheaded, dizzy, then the migraine begins...</p>
dr6497
June 10, 2014
<p>SCENTS.... as in perfume, cologne, scents from hairspray, deordorants etc... I get immediately ill, lightheaded, dizzy, then the migraine begins... <br>
I work in a "Scent Free" facility... that posts NO SIGNS on this policy! So why bother... When I have to repeatedly ask to work in another area due to person's coming in with scents on... but it is too late.. the migraine has begun. <br>
Also, the smell of gasoline, tar, candles, and magazine perfumed cards for advertising.. oh my! Please stop! <br>
changes in weather, hormones, preservatives in come foods, msg's (Burger King chicken sandwich..unsure what that ingredient is?), some chocolates but not all, marshmellow cream, bright lights and Fluorescent lights! Unable to drink any wine, red or white and other alcoholic beverages. Makes me a very dull person. It is so frustrating that I have to be on my guard all day, everyday, whether at work, or home, or on a trip to Wal-Mart or other store (walmart shoppers seem to wear more products than anyone!, even a sporting event.. I sit away from everyone and then a heavily cologned person sits by me and I have to move!</p>
dr6497
June 10, 2014
<p>SCENTS.... as in perfume, cologne, scents from hairspray, deordorants etc... I get immediately ill, lightheaded, dizzy, then the migraine begins... <br>
I work in a "Scent Free" facility... that posts NO SIGNS on this policy! So why bother... When I have to repeatedly ask to work in another area due to person's coming in with scents on... but it is too late.. the migraine has begun. <br>
Also, the smell of gasoline, tar, candles, and magazine perfumed cards for advertising.. oh my! Please stop! <br>
changes in weather, hormones, preservatives in some foods, msg's (Burger King chicken sandwich..unsure what that ingredient is?), some chocolates but not all, marshmellow cream, bright lights and Fluorescent lights! Unable to drink any wine, red or white and other alcoholic beverages. Makes me a very dull person. It is so frustrating that I have to be on my guard all day, everyday, whether at work, or home, or on a trip to Wal-Mart or other store (walmart shoppers seem to wear more products than anyone!, even a sporting event.. I sit away from everyone and then a heavily cologned person sits by me and I have to move!</p>
dr6497
June 10, 2014
<p>SCENTS.... as in perfume, cologne, scents from hairspray, deordorants etc... I get immediately ill, lightheaded, dizzy, then the migraine begins... <br>
I work in a "Scent Free" facility... that posts NO SIGNS on this policy! So why bother... When I have to repeatedly ask to work in another area due to person's coming in with scents on... but it is too late.. the migraine has begun. <br>
Also, the smell of gasoline, tar, candles, and magazine perfumed cards for advertising.. oh my! Please stop! <br>
changes in weather, hormones, preservatives in some foods, msg's (Burger King chicken sandwich..unsure what that ingredient is?), some chocolates but not all, marshmellow cream, bright lights and Fluorescent lights! Unable to drink any wine, red or white or other alcoholic beverages. Makes me a very dull person. It is so frustrating that I have to be on my guard all day, everyday, whether at work, or home, or on a trip to Wal-Mart or other store (walmart shoppers seem to wear more products than anyone!), even a sporting event.. I sit away from everyone and then a heavily cologned person sits by me and I have to move! Even more frustrating is when I make a commment that a person is wearing a scent and no one else seems to notice.. Makes me the freak!</p>
krazi80sladi
September 8, 2014
<p>i was wondering if anyone else would say WALMART!! i get the worst headache there. And stressed out as well there. I cant get out fast enough.</p>
wmg2575
June 10, 2014
<p>Weather, gets me every time....</p>
jules2dl
June 12, 2014
<p>Weather is my worst trigger as well. I often get a migraine 3 or 4 days before a rain or snow storm. Extreme temperature changes also cause migraines, as does bright sunlight and hot temperatures. I need to find a place to live that has no weather. :-/</p>
mruyle
June 12, 2014
<p>Light. The sun, the lights in my apartment, a bright computer or tv screen, etc. I get an instant migraine. And when I already have a migraine, the light makes me feel incredibly nauseous and sick.</p>
stillportia
June 16, 2014
<p>Smells <br>
Crowds <br>
<br>
Crowds do me in! The noises, smells, close quarters don't work for me. Different perfumes, colognes, nicotine, BO and 100 different conversations are too much of a sensory overload for my brain.</p>
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