Unknown Trigger

You are not alone in this, - in fact, I’ve come to believe that after we go through the process of documenting our migraine attacks (best done through keeping a journal) - which in turn can help us identify our triggers - and doing an elimination diet to unearth potential hidden dietary triggers- then we have to make a decision. We choose to live in the confines of a life where we avoid all of our known triggers - and perhaps sometimes we choose to expose ourselves to a known trigger because we want to enjoy some chocolate- or a night out with a friend in a noisy night club- understanding that doing so may result in a migraine. And we realize that despite all those choices- and the careful steps we take to avoid our triggers- we likely will still have flare ups! Either due to unavoidable triggers (like stress, hormones, or weather) or because of something we can’t pinpoint. And when that happens- it can be frustrating but….when that happens to me- I try not to spend too much time concerned with why. Migraine is often hereditary- it’s a part of who we are- so sometimes the attacks just appear. I don’t choose to give even more of my energy to them other than trying to quiet them so I can get on with my day. I’m not sure if this is helpful- I’m trying to say I’ve given plenty of my time and energy to understanding my triggers such that when an attack comes out of nowhere- I just accept it - treat it and move on with my day. But you’re right! This is a frustrating part of migraine! Warmly - Holly (team member)

Hi
I hear you and agree it's so frustrating not knowing what triggers a particular attack. I've come to believe we can be the "perfect" patient, stay hydrated, get enough sleep, avoid triggers and still get an attack, it seems to be the nature of migraine disease.
Hopefully soon we'll know the exact cause of migraine - can't come soon enough for me!
Sending you pain free wishes, Nancy Harris Bonk, Patient Leader/Moderator (team member)