What causes migraines?

The mechanism behind migraine development is not completely known; it is thought that both genetic and environmental factors can contribute to triggering attacks. Migraines may be triggered by:

• Hormonal changes such as at menopause or in pregnancy
• Emotional triggers such as stress, anxiety and depression
• Physical triggers such as changes in sleep pattern, tiredness and poor posture
• Dietary triggers such as drinking too much alcohol or caffeine based drinks, irregular meal times and eating chocolate, cheese and foods containing tyramine and aspartame
• Dehydration
• Environmental triggers such as exposure to certain lights (such as computer / TV screens), smells and changes in climate
• Certain medications can also cause migraines as a side effect, these include Nitrates, HRT and overusing certain painkillers.

It is important to understand that not all people will be affected by the same triggers.