Surprising migraine triggers you need to know

0

Migraines have various causes, and some may surprise you. Below, GP Dr Neel Patel from LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor explains eight unusual migraine triggers. 

1. Thunderstorms 

Thunderstorms are thought to trigger migraines due to the changes in barometric (atmospheric) pressure.

Dr Patel explains, “Changes in this pressure are thought to contribute to chemical and electrical changes in the head, irritating the nerves and, as a result, potentially triggering a migraine.”

2. Relaxing after stress

This may seem surprising, but relaxing after a stressful week can also cause a migraine due to the decline of stress hormones you experience.

“Have you ever had a stressful working week where you feel okay, but then after a lie-in on Saturday, you wake up with a migraine? It’s due to the decrease in stress hormones, which cause a rapid release of neurotransmitters (the brain’s chemical messengers). This release triggers impulses to blood vessels, instructing them to constrict and dilate, which is what causes the migraine. To avoid this, try not to sleep in too long on the weekends as more than 8 hours of sleep at a time can cause a migraine.”

3. Bananas

Bananas can trigger migraines because they contain substances called amines.

“When eaten in large quantities, food like bananas, which contain amines, can cause symptoms of a migraine. They’re fine to eat in moderation, but if you find they are a trigger for you, cut down your intake.”

4. Changes in routine

Migraines can be triggered by changes to regular routines. For example if you change your sleep-wake cycle, go on holiday, or travel for long periods of time.

“It’s not uncommon for varying sleep patterns, long journeys, or changes to meal times to trigger migraines. Many people find going on holiday can be a trigger, due to the variety of changes that take place.”

5. Cheese

You may have heard that cheese can trigger migraines, but is there any truth to this? Interestingly, soft cheeses like camembert and brie can trigger migraine attacks due to the chemical compound, tyramine.

Dr Patel states: “Tyramine is found in aged and fermented foods, and can trigger migraine attacks in people who are sensitive to it. However, not everyone is affected by tyramine; it mainly impacts those who are amine-sensitive or have trouble breaking down amines. If you think this could be a trigger for you, it’s a good idea to keep a food diary to cross reference your food intake with any symptoms.”

6. Poor posture

“When you have poor posture, it causes tension in your upper back, neck and shoulders, which can lead to migraines. Typically, the pain presents at the base of your skull, with flashes into your forehead.

“In the digital age, it can be hard to combat poor posture, as many people spend the day in front of a screen. Try to avoid sitting or standing in one position for extended periods of time. When you are sitting, sit up straight and support your lower back.”

7. Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding can happen when you are awake or asleep. While the cause of teeth grinding is often unclear, it’s often linked to stress and anxiety, sleep problems like snoring or sleep apnoea, drinking alcohol and illegal drug use.

“Some people grind their teeth during the night and find they wake with head pain, which can also extend to the face, neck, and shoulder. If this happens to you, you can visit a dentist who may be able to prescribe a mouth plate called occlusal splints, which can reduce teeth grinding.”


0 Comments
Share.

About Author

Leave A Comment