Learn More: Headache Center
Headache Triggers
Many headache sufferers experience headache attacks more frequently following certain types of exposures or events, called triggers. Identifying and modifying headache triggers can help reduce headache frequency and eliminate the need for medications.
- Headache triggers do not cause headaches; instead, these exposures or events activate, or bring on, a headache.
- Triggers include certain foods, climate or environmental changes, emotional states, physiological states, or for women, hormonal cycles.
Food Triggers
- aged cheese and other dairy products
- alcohol
- broad beans, peas, and lentils
- caffeine
- chocolate
- nuts
- peanut butter
- pickles
- pickled food
- processed meat (hot dog and sausage, products containing nitrites)
Environmental Triggers
- change in temperature
- change in humidity
- change in altitude (including air travel)
- bright light, glare (including computer monitor)
- loud noise
- strong odor
Emotional Triggers
- anger
- anxiety
- depression
- excitement
- stress
Physiological Triggers
- exercise
- eyestrain
- fasting or missing a meal
- fatigue
- lack of sleep
- motion
- oversleeping
Hormonal Triggers for Women
- birth control pills
- estrogen and/or hormone supplement
- hormonal change
- menstruation
- ovulation
- pregnancy
