Migraines is a condition which is often principally genetic and is more likely to impact women.
An attack can also be caused by internal and external factors such as fluctuating hormone levels, changes in weather and periods of stress.
Dr Andrew Dowson, Chairman of the Medical Advisory Group for the migraine charity Migraine Action, believes the “brain is more sensitive to change” when migraine attacks occur.
An increasing number of cells freak out, they encourage the brain’s blood vessels and muscle tissue to relax, increasing blood flow to the area – which can cause aura symptoms.
According to Dr Kate Munro of The National Migraine Centre, there are factors that are more common than others.
She said: “It is necessary for more than one trigger to be present to cross the ‘threshold’ that results in an attack.
“For example, one day you could drink a glass of wine and slept poorly, an attack might be more likely.
“Dealing with any of your triggers may help you have fewer migraine attacks.”
These are the 10 lifestyle factors that could trigger migraines:
1. Hormone changes
The Migraine Trust says it’s the drop in oestrogen levels, that occurs in the time before your period, that can cause a migraine attack to happen.
Your contraceptive could also be playing a role – pills with 20 micrograms of oestrogen have been found to cause the least headaches.
2. Skipping meals
Another missed breakfast or a late lunch could trigger a migraine. The blood sugar lows from not eating regularly or sufficiently can result in an attack.
3. Dehydration
According to American researchers, drinking more can reduce frequency and intensity of migraine attacks.
A lack of water consumption causes reduced blood flow to the brain and a loss of electrolytes, which can cause nerves in the brain to produce pain signals.
Migraine Action recommends drinking 1-2 litres of water per day.
4. Trigger foods
Unfortunately for wine and chocolate lovers, these can be the lethal weapon to a disastrous migraine attack.
They both contain nitrates which for people who suffer from migraines are more easily broken down in nitrites and converted into nitric oxide – a compound linked to migraine causes.
5. Too much (or too little) sleep
The good old Sunday lie in might not always be the best idea.
According to the American Headache Society, sleep disturbances can increase proteins associated with initiating and sustaining chronic pain.
Your recommended eight hours a night is the key to avoiding a migraine attack, says Migraine Action.
6. Emotional meltdowns
Anger, grief and stress has been found to increasing your likelihood of a migraine attack.
7. Over exertion
There’s a fine line between your physical activity and negative effects.
But if you want to avoid a migraine, aim for 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise (jogging, swimming, cycling, brisk walking), three times per week, says The Migraine Trust.
8. Head and neck pain
Spending long hours at the desk or even a long commute standing up could also trigger the pain.
This can increase muscle tension of the neck and shoulders which could stimulate an attack.
9. Environmental changes
Computer screens, heavy traffic and your colleagues extremely powerful aftershave can equally contribute to a migraine attack.
10. The weather
It’s not something you can control but be aware if there’s blowing gale, thunder or a cold or hot day out.
According to research published in the journal Neurology, 50% of migraine sufferers account certain weather conditions for their attacks.
It could be worth taking extra precautions or calling it a duvet day.
Source, photos – GETTY STOCK IMAGE
