Trying to find my migraine triggers

[jenmom]

   My migraines seem to come in groups and then I won't have any for a few months. If I don't wake up with one, I can tell one is coming from minor vision distortion, feeling of unbalance, and mild nausia. If I take Excederin right then, the headache either doesn't complete or is mild but I still have the nausia all day. Most of my migrains only last one day.
   My doctor has recomended tracking triggers so I can avoid the headaches, but I have not had much luck. I can rule out hormones. I am monitoring caffien, sleep, and traveling stress as posabilities with no good conclusion yet. What else could be a trigger that I could watch for? Any ideas would be helpful. Thanks!

[jenmom]

I have had a few migranes span two or three days and one that lasted five. Only two stand out as keeping me in bed. I think the worst ones came from a combination of things. But I don't think it is uncommon for them to last a while.

I see a chiropractor occasionally as sometimes headaches can come from not being properly aligned, especially the vertibrete high in the neck. Maybe a chiropractor could help you too?

[ironpetal09]

I have had a migraine for two days now. I have for many years woken up with what I describe as ''cracking' headaches like a metal band around the back of my head.  I have tried to pinpoint when they happen and why and the last two days have been the worst ever.  No amount of painkillers I took yesterday made any difference.  Im 55 and I have finished the menopause.  

As I said I have never ever had headache going into two days before so surely it cant be related at this point?  I had to teach today with a splitting headache.  The day before I was bedridden with it.  Im amazed how a migraine can just wipe out your day or put you into bed!

I have no idea why I get these.  I used to think it was food related but it doesnt appear to be.  Could arthritis in the neck cause these headaches?  my neck crackles when I move it around.  

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Thanks for writing in.
Majority of migraine triggers are food related. They include caffeine, red wine, processed meats, aged cheese, beans, chick peas, food containing MSG (monosodium glutamate) like Chinese foods and snacks, artificial sweeteners, chocolates and preserved foods. Hormonal changes, bright lights, and loud noise are also well known triggers.
I would suggest you to maintain a headache diary to identify the triggers for your migraine.
Hope this helps!