What should you know about migraine triggers?

A trigger is a factor that may make an attack more likely or start symptoms in someone who is migraine-prone. A trigger is not always the sole cause; several changes may overlap, and sometimes an attack has no clear reason. Common symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity, dizziness or vertigo.

Some people notice sensitivity to bright light, strong smells, noise, heat, alcohol or particular foods. Stress may be followed by an attack when the body shifts into recovery. Overly strict food avoidance can create skipped meals and add another possible trigger.

Keep a simple diary of sleep, meals, fluids, medicines, menstrual changes, stress, sensory exposure and symptoms. Look for repeated links across several attacks rather than blaming one event. Aim for regular meals, steady hydration, consistent sleep and gradual routine changes. Reduce bright light or noise when early symptoms begin, and follow your clinician’s treatment plan.

Do not stop a prescribed medicine or remove major food groups without professional advice. A diary is most useful when it records what happened before the attack and whether the suspected trigger appeared on symptom-free days too.

Get urgent help for a sudden severe headache, confusion, fainting, weakness, trouble speaking, fever with a stiff neck, or a headache after injury. Book a review if attacks are new, changing, increasingly frequent, prolonged, or different from your usual pattern. Repeated vomiting, persistent vertigo or severe dizziness can cause dehydration and should be assessed.

Which patterns in my diary matter most? Could another condition or medicine be contributing? How should I handle early symptoms? Do I need preventive treatment or help managing light sensitivity, nausea or vomiting?