| When it comes to migraine triggers, sometimes it's | | | | 6. DOUBLING UP ON PAINKILLERS - If the |
| not so much what you do as what you don't do. | | | | recommended dose isn't effective in relieving your |
| Below is a list of the top migraine triggers and further | | | | migraine headaches, don't increase the dose |
| information on them. As always, make sure you | | | | otherwise using more than the recommended dose |
| consult your physician before changing diet or | | | | of prescriptionand/or OTC(over the counter) |
| implementing new methods to relieve migraine | | | | medications can result in a rebound headache |
| headaches. | | | | amongst other complications. Consult your Doctor |
| 1. FOOD - Be selective in what and when you eat. | | | | frequently and let him or her know if the prescription |
| Food is a primary migraine trigger. Studies show that | | | | or OTC medication isn't working. |
| a majority of migraines are triggered by food and | | | | 7.IRREGULAR SCHEDULES - Try to go to bed at the |
| food additives. Foods to monitor include aged | | | | same time and get up at the same time. Regular |
| cheeses, chocolate, lunchmeats and hot dogs that | | | | sleep patterns have been found to be very effective |
| contain the food additive nitrate, as well as foods | | | | in combating migraines. |
| highin monosodium glutamate (MSG). Build up of nitric | | | | 8. LACK OF EXERCISE - Exercise can help with |
| oxide in the blood stream is a major cause of | | | | migraines. It is an established fact that physical |
| migraine headaches. | | | | fitness in general helps prevent migraines. However, |
| 2. EXCESSIVE CAFFEINE - Caffeine in high does can | | | | warming up before exercise is strongly |
| be a major migraine trigger. More than 6-8 oz of a | | | | recommended otherwise it may lead to build up of |
| beverage containing caffeine may be | | | | nitric oxidein the bloodstream and precipitate an |
| consideredexcessive for migraine sufferers. Do not | | | | attack. |
| drink caffeine if you know it causes migraine attacks | | | | 9. LACK OF COMMUNICATION WITH YOUR |
| in your case. | | | | DOCTOR - Keep your physician informed of your |
| 3. SMOKE - Cigarette smoke or other, whether | | | | migraine headaches and communicate with him or her |
| directly inhaled or secondhand, is a top migraine | | | | often, especially if they get worse. Keeping a diary or |
| trigger and should be avoided whenever possible. | | | | journal is also a good idea so you can enter details |
| 4. VISUAL STIMULATION - Sudden contrasts | | | | such as when attacks usually occur, what causes the |
| between light and dark or exposure to bright lights, | | | | attacks, which prescription or OTC medications are |
| can trigger migraine headaches. TV and computer | | | | effective, what non drug remedies help. |
| monitors will frequently cause migraines if the | | | | By keeping a diary or journal you may get a clearer |
| surrounding light and the light from the monitor(s) is | | | | picture on what works and what doesn't and |
| too bright. | | | | communicating this information to your Doctor may |
| 5. HIGH STRESS LEVELS - Stress levels contribute | | | | enable him or her to use a different approach in |
| greatly to migraines. While it's almost impossible to | | | | treating your migraine headaches. |
| avoid stress it is possible to decrease it. | | | | |