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8 Migraine Triggers

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Lee__R

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02/18/2019 at 11:44 AM

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Lee__R

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Last activity on 04/03/2020 at 5:04 PM

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Migraine is a very impairing condition when it strikes. There are people that only get it once a year at most, but there are people that get them constantly. Here are some tips to identify what can be triggering your migraines, especially you, the frequent sufferers.

1. Skipping a meal

This is a risky move for migraine sufferers. Experts aren't sure exactly why, but it could affect the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that governs your body clock. It's also possible that a drop in blood sugar could set off an attack. Either way, try to eat regularly to keep migraines at bay.

2. Sleeping in

You expect that skimping on shut-eye might lead to a migraine attack—but so can logging too much sleep. Your brain does best with a consistent schedule that should be kept even on weekends.

3. Stress and lack of it

Stress is a well-established migraine trigger. But relaxing after a stressful period is an even more significant trigger. A drop in the hormone cortisol could explain this "let-down headache," which may occur at the beginning or your weekend, for example, or the day you leave on a trip. One way to avoid it is to work in small doses of relaxation (like yoga stretches or short walks) during an especially tough week or month, to prevent a build-up of stress.

4. Alcohol (Red wine)

Research has found that nearly 38% of migraine-prone adults are sensitive to alcohol. Red wine seems to be particularly problematic. But researchers have yet to determine the precise reason for booze-induced attacks. An immediate throb could possibly be triggered by alcohol's vasodilation effect. Another theory is that alcohol causes fluctuations in serotonin, a pain-regulating neurotransmitter, that trigger headaches.

5. Not drinking enough water

You know dehydration is no good for your body. For your mind is even worse, and when it lacks water, the headaches can double or triple in frequency and intensity.

6. Extra weight

Obesity raises your risk of episodic (or occasional) migraines by 81%, according to Dr. Peterlin's research. "Obesity is a chronic state of inflammation, and that can contribute to pain," she says.

7. Your period

Hormones are the second-most common trigger for migraines in women (and also the reason these headaches affect three times more women than men). Every month the menstrual cycle involves a drop in estrogen, which causes other chemical fluctuations that can make a woman more vulnerable to pain.

8. Sunshine

There's no doubt that bright light can make a migraine feel worse—which is why it helps to retreat to a dark room. "During an attack, things that normally don't bother you can become painful," explains Dr. Peterlin, like a computer glare, or even a ponytail holder or tight t-shirt. But many people believe bright light is actually what sets off their attacks.

What triggers migraines for you? How do you avoid them? Please share!

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Lee__R

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02/18/2019 at 11:01 PM

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Lee__R

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Last activity on 04/03/2020 at 5:04 PM

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1,338 comments posted | 5 in the Migraine Forum

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8 Migraine Triggers https://www.carenity.us/forum/migraine/living-with-migraines/8-migraine-triggers-771 2019-02-18 23:01:34

Emma2190

02/19/2019 at 4:41 PM

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Emma2190

Last activity on 07/04/2022 at 1:29 PM

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Just trying to get by..

8 Migraine Triggers https://www.carenity.us/forum/migraine/living-with-migraines/8-migraine-triggers-771 2019-02-19 16:41:12

Emma2190

02/19/2019 at 4:47 PM

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Last activity on 07/04/2022 at 1:29 PM

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@Lee__R‍ thanks again for the tag. A lot of the things mentioned as migraine triggers are true and I myself have dealt with many except red wine mentioned as I don't drink alcohol for I think 4 years now. Best decision of my life to be honest and I never drank red wine anyways. Another big trigger is caffiene intake, which some may already know, but I used to be a big coffee drinker and it would cause migraines but then if you stop, it also caused migraines..kind of a no win situation. I know lack of sleep will also cause migraines as will certain medications.

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8 Migraine Triggers https://www.carenity.us/forum/migraine/living-with-migraines/8-migraine-triggers-771 2019-02-19 16:47:12

toomuchpain

02/21/2019 at 4:29 AM

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toomuchpain

Last activity on 10/18/2022 at 6:00 PM

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I get migraines when I am dehydrated.

@Emma2190‍ 90‍ I also get it when I do NOT drink caffeine. I do drink more then I should, so if I go a day wihtout it I can feel it with a headache, so I then drink some caffeine (just a little) and it goes away.... but I should stay away from it from what I read in related to my condition, but it is just hard for me to do...

8 Migraine Triggers https://www.carenity.us/forum/migraine/living-with-migraines/8-migraine-triggers-771 2019-02-21 04:29:27

Emma2190

02/21/2019 at 7:17 PM

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Last activity on 07/04/2022 at 1:29 PM

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@toomuchpain‍ I hear you. Being on rebif I am supposed to cut back on coffee or caffiene of any which is hard but I'm trying. Rebif so far has kept my flares at bay but it comes with side effects as does every med unfortunately..one of those being migraines since it dehydrates you and can also effect your liver. Hope we both steer clear of too much caffiene, but even I know thats not easy. Good luck.

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8 Migraine Triggers https://www.carenity.us/forum/migraine/living-with-migraines/8-migraine-triggers-771 2019-02-21 19:17:18

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Edited on 07/22/2020 at 8:53 AM

Thank you very much for such a detailed post. I had a migraine recently and I didn’t even think that it was so terrible. I don’t know if you can imagine what a terrible pain it is. I wake up and feel a terrible headache. In addition, I experience terrible nausea and weakness and it is impossible to stop it. The only thing that helps me is Kratom and I am infinitely glad that I learned about this plant. This is not a drug and it is absolutely legal. I would never use forbidden items. It all started with the fact that I came across a [Moderated by Community Manager for violation of community standards] and I decided to try it and it completely changed my life and helps me deal with pain.

8 Migraine Triggers https://www.carenity.us/forum/migraine/living-with-migraines/8-migraine-triggers-771 2020-07-02 02:49:56

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Armor2

05/13/2023 at 5:38 PM

@HelloKitty I started taking kratom when I was diagnosed with cervical dystonia, it means I have constant pulling of my neck and shoulder muscles. Botox is the primary treatment , 6 to 8 shots targeting muscles but its hit and miss. I told a friend about this and he told me about kratom, so I went to a kratom shop and talked to the owner. He learned I was an Army Veteran and sold me some capsules. Unbelievable the kratom knocked out the pain and relieved some of the spasms and pulling that was 5 years ago, and I am still taking it for chronic pain. I have found the vendors to trust and a fbook website to share experiences with others. Like all things kratom must be handled with common sense, and reading info on the web helps educate us all. IT IS THE ONLY THING THAT HELPS WITH MY CHRONIC PAIN

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MountainMan

Edited on 03/25/2021 at 8:23 PM

Yes I agree. Im on morphine and Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen and yours as well. I have some others also. If I want to work in the back yard, I am sleep mode if I set down. The next morning and at night is paying with great pain. Its a hard road in many ways. We have to keep going best as we can. Have a smile and good day to you. I have the stimulator too.

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dan.varady

Ambassador

10/17/2023 at 2:30 PM

@Somya.P My neurologist gave me a script through the state dispensary for aid with sleep. It helps with sleep. The script is for low dose THC, so it aids with minor pain. I have learned through my trials of product that CBD gummies help with sleep, but not pain. In my state, CBD gummies can be bought at local corner stores.

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Armor2

05/13/2023 at 5:38 PM

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MountainMan

Edited on 03/25/2021 at 8:23 PM

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dan.varady

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10/17/2023 at 2:30 PM

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8 Migraine Triggers

Migraine is a very impairing condition when it strikes. There are people that only get it once a year at most, but there are people that get them constantly. Here are some tips to identify what can be triggering your migraines, especially you, the frequent sufferers.

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