Migraine Headache Triggers

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Triggers of migraine headaches are different for each person. Triggers include changes in daily routine, foods, hormones, medicines, lights, odors, or other things in the environment.

The most common migraine triggers are:¹

Recommended Related to Migraines/Headaches

Tips for Avoiding Migraine Triggers

Many everyday things can trigger (cause) a migraine headache. Depending on your sensitivity, it might be red wine, caffeine withdrawal, emotional stress, or skipped meals. To take control of migraines, you must understand your migraine pattern. The first step is tracking your migraines by using a headache diary. Make notes of activities before -- or when -- a migraine occurred. What were you eating? What were you doing? How much sleep did you get the night before? Did anything stressful or important...

Read the Tips for Avoiding Migraine Triggers article > >

Stress (either during a stressful time or right after stress subsides).
Menstrual cycle in women.
Changes in your routine, such as how much you exercise or how much you sleep.
Fasting or skipping meals.
Changes in the weather, heat, or high humidity.
Bright lights, glare, or reflected sunlight.
Foods, such as chocolate.
Alcohol-all alcohol, or one type of alcohol in particular, like beer or wine.
Odors such as perfume, paint, dust, and certain flowers.

Other migraine triggers include:

Strong emotions, such as depression or anxiety.
Pushing yourself too hard when you exercise.
Aspartame.
Monosodium glutamate (MSG).
Nitrates, which are found in cured meats such as hot dogs, bacon, and cold cuts.
Tyramines, which are found in pickled or marinated foods, aged cheeses, and yeast.
Smoking or being around someone who smokes.
Excessive caffeine or caffeine withdrawal.
Birth control pills and hormone therapy.
Medicines that expand (dilate) the blood vessels (vasodilators), such as nifedipine, and nitrates.
Overuse of headache pain medicines, leading to rebound headaches.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: April 27, 2010

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.