Understanding Migraine Triggers

Here are some ways to avoid a migraine:

• Keep a "headache diary" to help understand your triggers. Migraine triggers vary per individual. In fact, triggers in one sufferer may actually relieve migraine in another. Take note of how much sleep you are getting, how stressed you feel, what you've eaten recently, and anything out of your ordinary routine. Also describe the pain and symptoms, any warning signs, what you were doing when the migraine started, and if anything made it stop.

• Eat a balanced and scheduled diet. Try to avoid packaged meets and processed foods, including canned soups, frozen dinners, flavored potato chips, and most fast food. Some other common food triggers include alcohol (especially red wine), chocolate, excessive caffeine, aged cheese, and aspartame, a sweetener substitute.

• Get regular amounts of sleep. Too much or too little can trigger a migraine.

• Steer clear of sights, sounds, and smells that are especially strong, unusual, or have triggered headaches in the past.

• Exercise daily or several times per week. While intense physical activity, including sex, can sometimes trigger a migraine, regular exercise can help avoid it.