Migraine headache triggers

Twin studies suggest 50% heritabUity of migraine, with a multifactorial polygenic basis. Migraine triggers may be modulators of the genetic set point that predisposes to migraine headache. 

In some conditions, the pain appears to be caused by a complex mixture of nociceptive and neuropathic factors. An initial nervous system dysfunction or injury may trigger the neural release of inflammatory mediators and subsequent neurogenic inflammation. For example, migraine headaches probably represent... 

Certain foods can trigger a migraine attack by effects on neurotransmitter release or metabolism in the brain. For example, a number of foods contain tryptamine which is known to cause release of other amines (dopamine, noradrenaline and 5-hydroxytryptamine) from both nerve terminals and platelets. This release could initiate the sequence of events that results in the migraine attack. Elimination of such foods from the diet can decrease the number of headaches. Compounds that discourage platelet aggregation (e.g. aspirin) may prevent such attacks. 

Q7 The mechanisms which trigger migraine remain controversial. The underlying pathophysiology could be due to vasoconstriction of the cerebral arteries, causing transient ischaemia. This would be followed by compensatory vasodilation of the cerebral blood vessels to protect the ischaemic areas. This vasodilation may lead to an increase in intracranial pressure, which causes a severe headache. These events may be followed by changes in nerve activity and neurotransmitter levels. Inflammatory components are also likely to be involved in the pathology of this condition. 

The frequency of migraine may be lessened by avoiding triggers. It is useful to keep a headache journal, recording the particulars and noting possible triggers for each attack. Specific measures that may help include ... 

Panconesi A (2008). Alcohol and migraine trigger factor, consumption, mechanisms a review. J Headache Pain, 9 19-27. 

In addition to the measnrement of emissions, screen flicker has also been fonnd to be a factor that canses real distress in some users I find it so myself. Approximately one in ten of the popnlation is believed to be photosensitive, that is, sensitive to flickering lights (Wilkins, 1990). These can canse headaches, visual strain, migraines, and in a small proportion of cases, trigger epileptic fits. Between five and twenty out of every 100,000 (Bentham, 1991, p. 93). The combination of fluorescent lighting and compnter screens can be particnlarly nnpleasant. I have known a number of students to complain of great discomfort when working with certain... 

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