Please list your "triggers"...

I currently take topamax for occular migraines but have had several now with the actual pain and from what I can tell being out in the sun and I don't know if anyone else has this one? or if I'm just nuts? but if I spend the day in the sun, running errands etc, around 5pm I come down with one.  I have also had a couple after I've eaten chocolate (an entire hershey bar). I'm now terrified of anything chocolate.                   

tree nuts, flashing lights and foods containing lots of nitraites---hot dogs and such, a little is ok, alot is BAD

My triggers have been hard for me to identify, but there are a few that I've noticed, similar to the ones already listed here.
stress (I get tension in my neck and shoulders and it just continues to my head.)
crying a lot (or sometimes just a little bit)
too little sleep
not being active enough
smells (I also think my icepack smells after my migraine has started!)
TMJ- a new diagnosis. I'm getting a mouth guard fitted within the next couple of weeks.
any type of alcohol in the slightest bit
menstrual issues- PMDD
sinus congestion/pressure

Other than those, I don't know what triggers them. I guess I'll keep figuring things out as I go along! It just seems like most of mine are unavoidable. Maybe someday I'll live an active, stress-free life with no bad smells and never cry. And my other issues will correct themselves. I can live without alcohol, no problem.

Jenbug,
Let us know how it goes!

Weather, Menstraul, Stress, Allergies, Caffine, Too little sleep, chemicals, grass mowed, weed killer, smoke, being ill, the kids (hey I think they give us ALL a migraine at times haha), when my bloodsugar drops or if I get too high (diabetic), bananas, chocolate, pollen, dairy i think that is it

I don't have to think twice on this one......my fiance's pitbull "Honey".

There is nothing sweet about this "Honey"...!! When my "migraine senses" are in full throttle I can't even be on the same floor of the house with her....the smell of her just "waifs" in the air. Another part about it that just floors me is that my fiance tells me "he can't smell her at all".

AHHHHHHHHH.........and don't get me wrong, I'm a HUGE dog lover.......but when it comes to this dog.....let's just say her and I don't do much snuggling!!
YIKES....she stinks.

Last year in May 2008 I suffered a 'severe concussion' and since then have been having horrible migraines when my sleep patterns change. I work in the ER of a very busy hospital and with that said, work 3 shifts. Nights being the worst. It completely throws me off and then the migraine kicks in for the next 2 days. Since then I have been battling with my work over whether or not I should be working nights at all. My family doctor says NO but my work is insisting I see a specialist. That's fine and I have an appointment made but it's not until the end of September. At this point I'm just worried I'm going to lose my job. More un-needed stress.

Anyway, I guess my 'trigger' is changes in sleep. Anyone have any suggestions? What helps?...other than the obviouse hahaha

Hi littleneck!!!
I have never heard anyone else, other than myself of course, who lists TOMATO SAUCE as one of their triggers!!! Very interesting (and its good to know Im not crazy-at least in this aspect)

I am immediately hit with a pre-migraine headache when i am in sunlight---even indoors. Also, simply moving around, like trying to mop a floor or clean the tub, will trigger one. Some of it may be hormonal, and definitely there is a connection with my neck/shoulder muscles. I've been using a 20-lb. weight to do shoulder rolls, and have started yoga as well, hoping it will help. Have cut down on the chocolate, but just began having coffee each morning cuz it helps relieve the headaches I wake up with, or which are immediately triggered by sunlight. I also cannot handle loud noises of any kind---even the pitch of a person's voice can cause pain.


headcase3

I'll be 49 in November and I've suffered for migraines for over 25 years and I either have more triggers or I notice more what they are.

1.  Hormonal (PMS when younger, menopausal now)

2.  Stress

3.  Weather Fronts

4.  Nuts ( At least a lot of them)

5.  Bananas (if too many of them)

6.  Sleeping too little or too much

7.  Sinus congestion or pressure

8.  Having my neck in an awkward position too long

I take 200 mg of Topomax for a preventative and Maxalt as an abortive. 

Stress, beer, wine, wine coolers, too much chocolate (milk chocolate isn't as much of a problem as dark), basalmic vinegar, changes in my sleep pattern, weather, aged cheeses, aspartame and other artificial sweeteners, differing caffeine intake (ultimately stopped drinking anything with caffeine), processed meats with nitrates/nitrites, really bright lights, strong odors (today it was bleach), and a whole host of other things. Often its not one common thing but a combination of many factors so its impossible to always know what causes my migraines and other headaches.

   I think mostly stress ( NOW ) but wont rule out weather,bright lights such as sun glare, sleep and probaly some types of food like hot dogs which i am now having to eat. I like alot of different types/kinds of food and wont give any of it up. Thanks everyone  JOE