What Causes Migraine? What are its known triggers?

Migraines are caused by certain triggers such as stress, environmental factors, or certain food which consequently affect normal brain activity. Medical assumptions include the possibility that the attack starts in the brain which affects blood flow and some tissues.

There are other factors that trigger migraines. These include: exercise, loud noises, certain odours or perfumes, alcohol, allergic reactions, smoking, physical or emotional stress, changes in hormone levels (women's menstral cycle), bright lights and missed meals.

Specific foods and food chemicals, such as preservatives, could also trigger migraines. These include: peanut butter, processed food, certain fruits, baked goods, onions, processed meat (bacon, hotdogs etc), monosodium glutamate (MSG, chocolate and dairy products.

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In general, migraines do not occur due to serious medical problems. However, any headache symptom should not be taken for granted as just an ordinary migraine. It is adviced that a person should contact a medical practitioner if severe pain is experienced.