Migraines are an all-too-common condition from which many suffer; however, few are aware of what causes them. Congresswoman Michelle Bachman has brought some attention to the issue. Bachman has made the assertion that she frequently gets migraines on her "high-heel" days. But does that mean high heels cause migraines? Not necessarily, but this kind of insight does provide hope for many migraine sufferers. That's because recognizing and avoiding individual migraine triggers can help prevent migraine attacks.

Migraines are different for different people but are often associated with a severe, one-sided headache, visual, olfactory or auditory auras (signals or changes in the way things appear, smell or sound), nausea, vomiting, dizziness and light and sound sensitivity. The pain and associated symptoms can be so severe that some migraine sufferers are bedridden for days. 

While migraines can come on suddenly, many regular or frequent migraine sufferers learn to recognize when one is on its' way and what foods or circumstances trigger them.  For example, Bachman recognizes that high-heel days also tend to be migraine days. Neurological experts suggest it may not be the shoes but the stress associated with days that require her to wear dressier attire that trigger Bachman's migraines. 

Experts at Harvard Medical School say there are too many migraine triggers to list and they vary from person to person, but many migraine sufferers have common triggers including:

  • Strong sensory inputs like bright lights, loud noises and strong smells
  • Lack of sleep or too much sleep (waking up with a headache is a distinctive migraine characteristic)
  • Drop in estrogen levels associated with menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause.
  • Alcohol
  • Certain foods
  • Stress (migraines are especially common during relaxation after great stress episodes)

5 Tips to Prevent a Migraine

  1. Start by keeping a migraine diary. Note when you get one, how long it lasts, all associated symptoms and what you were doing and eating during the days and hours preceding your migraine.
  2. Educate yourself on common food triggers and note if any of these are part of your diet. Experiment to see if eliminating these foods reduces your migraine frequency or intensity.
  3. Be vigilant about getting enough sleep, practicing stress reduction techniques, eating well and getting regular exercise.
  4. Wear tinted sunglasses if your migraines are caused by light sensitivity.
  5. Talk to your doctor about whether you're a good candidate for preventative medications like low-dose antidepressants, anticonvulsants or beta-blockers.

Sources:

Harvard Medical School Publications - HealthBeat Archives

Five Migraine Questions Answered

http://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/5-migraine-questions-answered