What is The Biggest Trigger for Migraines?

First, when migraines are extremely personal experiences with triggers unique to each individual, one particular factor seems most often mentioned in association with migraine and arguably carries the highest weight: stress. For most migraineurs, stress isn’t a contributing factor; it is the main instigator for those incapacitating attacks.

The stress-migraine connection: biological cascade

When triggered, stress hormones such as cortisol or adrenaline cause a multitude of physiological changes that directly work toward the onset of migraines. A common stress reaction is the tightening of muscles, especially tightness in the neck and shoulders, which can manifest as pain in the head, thus precipitating a full-blown headache. Concomitantly, if stress affects the ability of blood vessels in the brain to function normally by way of inappropriate constriction and dilation, this will precipitate the migraine.

The entangled web of triggers

Stress rarely works alone; instead, it fosters an environment wherein other potential triggers become far more powerful. A stressful week can cause erratic sleep patterns for an individual, hence making him or her more vulnerable to sleep-triggered migraines. Similarly, stress can play havoc with the eating habits of an individual: skipping meals or getting dehydrated will lower one’s migraine threshold, not to mention craving foods that are rich in triggers. The paradoxical “let-down effect” following an intense stress episode-the calm after the storm-can bring attacks as the physiology of the body changes.

Managing the master trigger: Stress reduction

Complete elimination of stress would be an unrealistic goal. However, learning to manage stress is one of the foundations of preventions against migraines. Active ways to acknowledge and cope with stress will reduce the number and severity of attacks. Some of these are:

Embrace Movement: Exercise induces the release of tension and feels great to do.
Cultivate Mindfulness: Meditation or related practices can help create awareness of stress responses and management techniques.
Prioritize Rest: Having good sleeping habits is essential for tending one’s health as well as for migraine prevention.
Feed Your Body: I.e., eat at regular hours, balance meals, keep well hydrated in order to keep blood sugar from dips, or to prevent dehydration.
Set Wizard Borders: Good time management and some training in saying “no” go a long way to lessen the stress burden.
Relaxation Technique: Deep breathing and yoga techniques relax muscle loads.
Support System: Help from others is a welcome outlet for emotions and ideas on coping.

Taming the Stress Beast

Although one may list an individual trigger for a migraine, the number one trigger for stress would go into the majority of people. So the very first step in controlling your migraines and really improving the quality of life is to set in place your own stress management. Reducing stress as well as the other aggravating factors personal to the affected individual is the BEST way to go in truly relieving this crushing condition.