Migraine sufferer? Recognize your triggers and leave your headaches behind.
If you are one of the millions of people who have migraine headaches, you recognize the blinding pain, blurred vision, numbness, feelings of nausea and sensitivity to light and sound that signals an attack is coming. If you’re overwhelmed and want this cycle to end, here is some good news: By learning what causes your headaches and avoiding these triggers, you can reduce, or even prevent, migraine attacks.
Use the chart below, along with a journal to record headache severity and duration, to pinpoint your triggers. “Migraine headaches may worsen over time without proper medical attention,” Athena Kostidis, MD, neurologist at Loyola University Health System, said. “Fortunately, our physicians offer thorough evaluations, diagnoses, counseling and treatment of headache syndromes to help migraine sufferers put pain in the past.”
Categories |
Specific triggers |
Dietary |
Alcohol, caffeinated drinks, aged cheeses, food additives, MSG, chocolate, peanut butter, yogurt, sour cream, onions, smoked or pickled foods, excessive citrus fruits, soy products and skipping meals |
Environmental |
Bright or flickering lights, loud noises, strong smells, weather changes and travel or motion |
Physical |
Dehydration, hormonal shifts, physical exertion and changes in eating and sleeping patterns |
Psychological |
Anxiety, depression, stress and post-stress activity (i.e. taking a vacation after a particularly difficult week at work) |
Talk to your doctor if you suffer from migraine headaches. To make an appointment with a Loyola physician, call (888) LUHS-888, extension 6-6006.
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