Migraines are complex neurological disorders that can be influenced by various factors. While the exact cause of migraines is not fully understood, several factors are known to contribute to their development:

Genetics: Migraines often run in families, suggesting a genetic component to the disorder. Specific genes related to migraine susceptibility and headache patterns have been identified through research.

Neurological Factors: Changes in brain activity and neurotransmitter levels are associated with migraines. Imbalances in neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) can play a role in triggering migraine attacks.

Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormones, particularly estrogen, can influence migraine patterns. Many women experience migraines related to their menstrual cycle, such as menstrual migraines, which are often triggered by hormonal shifts.
Environmental Factors: Environmental factors such as changes in barometric pressure, strong smells, loud noises, and bright or flickering lights can trigger migraines in some individuals.

Neurovascular Theory: This theory suggests that changes in blood flow and blood vessels in the brain can contribute to migraine episodes. Blood vessels may dilate and become inflamed during a migraine attack, leading to pain and other symptoms.
Central Sensitization: People with migraines may have a heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli, known as central sensitization. This increased sensitivity can lead to amplified pain responses and other symptoms during a migraine episode.

TRIGGERS – Everyone may have different migraine triggers.  Some people have no identifiable migraine trigger at all.  Here are some of the more common migraine triggers:

Weather:  While the exact mechanisms of weather-related migraines are not fully understood, several factors are thought to contribute to this phenomenon:

  • Barometric Pressure: Changes in barometric pressure, which is the pressure exerted by the atmosphere, can influence migraine occurrence. Falling barometric pressure (associated with approaching storms or changes in weather patterns) has been linked to an increased risk of migraines for some people. It’s believed that these pressure changes can affect the pressure inside the skull, leading to headaches in susceptible individuals.
  • Temperature Fluctuations: Extreme temperatures, especially heat and humidity, can trigger migraines in some individuals. Exposure to hot and humid conditions can lead to dehydration and increased vasodilation (widening of blood vessels), which are potential migraine triggers.
  • Wind: Strong winds, particularly gusty or turbulent winds, can be a trigger for migraines. Windy conditions may lead to changes in air pressure around the head and face, affecting blood flow and sensory receptors, potentially triggering headaches.
  • Allergens: Weather changes can also affect allergen levels in the environment. For people sensitive to allergens such as pollen, dust, or mold, increased exposure during certain weather conditions can trigger allergic reactions and subsequent migraine episodes.

Strong smells — even nice ones — trigger migraines in many people. Why this happens is unclear, but the odors may stimulate the nervous system. The most common culprits are paint, dust, perfume, and certain types of flowers.

Bright lights – While sensitivity to light, also known as photophobia, is a common side effect of migraines, bright lights and glare, especially if flickering, can induce migraines as well.

Physical over-exertion – Exercise-induced migraine episodes tend to occur more often in association with certain vigorous or strenuous sports, activities or workouts.

Dehydration – can contribute to the development of migraines in some individuals. Here’s why:

  • Changes in Blood Volume: Dehydration leads to a decrease in blood volume, which can affect blood flow to the brain. Reduced blood flow and changes in blood vessel function are associated with migraine attacks.
  • Electrolyte Imbalance: Dehydration often involves an imbalance of electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium. These electrolytes play crucial roles in nerve function, muscle contraction, and maintaining fluid balance in the body. Imbalances can trigger neurological symptoms, including headaches and migraines.
  • Increased Sensitivity: Dehydration can make the brain more sensitive to various triggers, including changes in environmental conditions (like heat or humidity), stress, and sensory stimuli. This heightened sensitivity can lower the threshold for migraine attacks in susceptible individuals.
  • Vasoconstriction: Dehydration can lead to the constriction of blood vessels in the brain (vasoconstriction). While this is a natural response to conserve water in the body, it can also contribute to headaches and migraines, especially when combined with other triggers.

Stress – may trigger migraines in various way:

  • Neurological Sensitization: Stress can lead to changes in brain chemistry and function, including alterations in neurotransmitter levels and activity. These changes can increase the sensitivity of the brain to various stimuli, including pain signals associated with migraines.
  • Muscle Tension: Stress often causes muscle tension, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and head. This muscle tension can contribute to the development of tension headaches, which may then trigger migraines in susceptible individuals.
  • Hormonal Changes: Stress can influence hormone levels, such as cortisol (the stress hormone) and adrenaline. Fluctuations in hormones, especially in women, have been linked to migraine attacks.
  • Emotional Factors: Stress is closely linked to emotions such as anxiety, frustration, and sadness. Emotional stressors can directly contribute to the onset or worsening of migraines in some people.
  • Lifestyle Factors: When stressed, individuals may engage in behaviors that can trigger migraines, such as poor sleep, irregular eating patterns, increased caffeine or alcohol consumption, and reduced physical activity.

Certain Foods and Skipped Meals:  One of the most common migraine triggers is aged cheese, including blue cheese, brie, cheddar, feta, mozzarella, parmesan, and Swiss. These foods contain tyramine which can cause a migraine. Red wine and some alcoholic drinks also contain tyramine. Cold cuts and processed meat contain both tyramine and nitrates which can also affect many migraine sufferers.

Caffeine:  Though caffeine is found in many headache medications, it is actually a cause of rebound headaches though it is difficult for people who are use to consuming large amount of caffeine to withdraw from it, doing so can significantly reduce migraine frequency and intensity.

Other Triggers:

• dairy products*
• chocolate
• eggs
• citrus fruits
• meat**
• wheat (bread, pasta, etc.)
• nuts and peanuts
• tomatoes
• onions
• corn
• apples
• bananas

* Includes skim or whole cow’s milk, goat’s milk, cheese, yogurt, etc.
** Includes beef, pork, chicken, turkey, fish, etc.