Become a "Trigger Detective!" 

Headache disorders are often very discouraging. Sometimes, there seems to be nothing sufferers can do except take their medications, try to sleep, and hope the headache subsides.  :-(

But, wait! Don't get too discouraged. There IS more that you can do for yourself. Follow the advice of the Migraine Association of Canada, and become a "Trigger Detective." Although some migraineurs are more reactive to triggers than others, nearly all have some kind of trigger that either causes a migraine or makes it worse.

Here are some common triggers:

• Foods: cheeses, nuts, chocolate, citrus fruits, dairy products, homemade bread, MSG, some seafoods, peanut butter, pizza, fried foods, caffeine, red wines, pickles, cured meats.
• Stress (and sometimes the relief of stress).
• Bright or flashing lights. Have you ever wondered why theatres post warnings if they are using strobe light in a production? It's because strobe light can trigger migraines and epileptic seizures.
• Loud noises.
• Changes in sleeping habits. We'd all figure that too little sleep is bad, but too much sleep is just as problematic.
• Poor eating habits. Dieting and eating erratically are common triggers.
• Nicotine and secondhand smoke.
• Physical activities such as swinging, moving in circles, or hanging upside down.
• Olfactory triggers -- smells and odors.
• Some medications.
• Hormonal fluctuations. These can occur during puberty, a woman's monthly cycle, or menopause. (in both men and women)
• Changes in weather.
• Crying. Unfortunately, this can include tears of happiness, fear, sadness, or anger.

Not everyone will react to all, or even any of these. Luckily, most migraineurs react only to a few particular triggers. Now that we realize there are such things as triggers, how do we proceed? The most recommended method of determining your individual triggers is the trusty headache diary. As soon as you realize a headache is imminent, log what you've been doing, how you're feeling, and any triggers to which you think you've been exposed. Generally, a pattern will start to emerge after a few entries.

Trigger Detectives, to work! Once your triggers are identified, there truly IS something more you can do to prevent and/or lessen the length and severity of your migraines.  Now, THAT'S encouraging.