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Danger signs

Alex Gazzola

There is a wide range of possible causes for a migraine attack, and sufferers have their own set of particular triggers. It is worth keeping a detailed diary of your dietary intake and lifestyle habits and any migraine attacks, in order to help you and your healthcare provider identify possible patterns or causes. Here are some to watch out for:

Foods - typically, red wine (and other alcoholic drinks), cheese, pickled foods, processed fish and meats, caffeinated beverages, fruit juices, and anything with added sulphates or monosodium glutamate (MSG);

Missed meals/low blood sugar;

Stress and nervous tension;

Psychological disturbance - anger, depression, anxiety;

Smoking or smoky rooms; environmental pollution;

Weather - wind, temperature, pressure changes;

Lack of sleep, altered sleep routine, sleep interruption;

Physical exertion or strenuous exercise;

Bright/flickering lights - loud noises or strong smells;

Bright/flickering television or computer screens;

Travel motion/high altitude;

Medications - birth-control pills, HRT and sleeping tablets;

Menstruation.

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