Causes and Trigger Factors
Trigger factors should not be confused with causes as they are both different. Confused? Think of it this way. If you pour kerosene on a heap of dry leaves and set it on fire with a matchstick, then the kerosene is the underlying cause of the fire but the matchstick is the trigger. So while the migraine maybe caused by a particular factor, the element that triggers it could vary.

If your family has a history of migraine attacks you are likely to be more prone to it. The area you live in, your lifestyle and dietary habits can also cause migraine.

Practically anything can trigger a migraine attack.

• Change in the weather such as a sudden exposure to heat and sunlight.
• Hormonal changes caused at the time of your period, menopause or pregnancy. Oral contraceptives and hormonal replacement therapy can worsen the situation.
• Certain foods can trigger a migraine attack. Tyramine-rich foods like chocolate and fish, Indian foods like paneer, fermented foods, fast food and cold things can aggravate a migraine attack. Fasting or dieting can also lead to migraine.
• Either a stress-filled lifestyle or an erratic lifestyle with too much drinking and late-night outs can also lead to an attack.
• Too much or too little sleep can trigger an attack of migraine.