Migraine Triggers

Migraines can be triggered by numerous factors. Alcohol, stress/anxiety, smoking, some odors such as perfumes, loud noises and bright lights may all trigger migraine. Migraine attacks may also be triggered by:

• Caffeine withdrawal
• Changes in hormone levels during a woman’s menstrual cycle or with the use of birth control pills
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Exercise or other physical stress
• Missed meals
• Smoking or exposure to smoke

Migraine headaches can be triggered by certain foods. The most common are:

• Processed, fermented, pickled, or marinated foods, as well as foods that contain monosodium glutamate (MSG)
• Baked goods, chocolate, nuts, peanut butter, and dairy products
• Foods containing tyramine, which includes red wine, aged cheese, smoked fish, chicken livers, figs, and certain beans
• Fruits (avocado, banana, citrus fruit)
• Meats containing nitrates (bacon, hot dogs, salami, cured meats)
• Onions

This list may not include all triggers!

If you're noticing your migraines follow a pattern, or they're becoming more frequent despite avoiding known triggers, it may be time to talk to a specialist. Our headache and migraine specialists can help identify what's driving your symptoms and build a treatment plan around it.