Do you ever skip lunch? Or sleep late on Sundays? You may be setting yourself up for the misery of a head-pounder. Learn about these and other lesser-known factors that can lead to a hellish headache.
Start a headache diary
Triggers are different for everyone, and they're not always consistent. A rainstorm may set off a migraine one day and not another, for example. That's because there's typically more than one factor to blame: "Triggers may build up to bring on an attack," explains Dr. Peterlin.
Pinpointing the unique combinations that trouble you (say, impending rain, a side of bacon, and looming deadlines at work) can be tricky. But tracking patterns over time might help: Jot down notes about your activities and the circumstances during the 24 hours before your migraines strike, especially if you suspect any of the triggers described in the slides ahead.
Start a headache diary
Triggers are different for everyone, and they're not always consistent. A rainstorm may set off a migraine one day and not another, for example. That's because there's typically more than one factor to blame: "Triggers may build up to bring on an attack," explains Dr. Peterlin.
Pinpointing the unique combinations that trouble you (say, impending rain, a side of bacon, and looming deadlines at work) can be tricky. But tracking patterns over time might help: Jot down notes about your activities and the circumstances during the 24 hours before your migraines strike, especially if you suspect any of the triggers described in the slides ahead.