What Causes Chronic Migraines? Surprising Triggers & Treatments
Migraines aren’t just “bad headaches.” If you suffer from chronic migraines, you know they can disrupt your entire life. The throbbing pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light make even the simplest tasks unbearable. But what actually causes chronic migraines, and how can you prevent them?
Let’s explore the surprising triggers and effective treatments that can help you take control of your migraines.
What Are Chronic Migraines?
A migraine is more than just a headache—it’s a neurological condition. Chronic migraines are diagnosed when:
✔ You have headaches 15 or more days a month
✔ At least 8 of those are migraines
✔ This lasts for 3 months or more
(American Migraine Foundation, 2023)
Migraines can last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours, often bringing intense pain, nausea, dizziness, and sensory sensitivity.
Common (and Unexpected) Migraine Triggers
1. Stress & Anxiety 😟
Stress is one of the biggest migraine triggers. When you're anxious, your body releases cortisol and adrenaline, which can lead to inflammation and blood vessel changes—a perfect storm for migraines.
✔ Sudden stress relief (like relaxing after a stressful week) can also trigger an attack!
2. Poor Sleep 😴
Both too little and too much sleep can cause migraines. Disruptions in your sleep cycle affect your brainstem and neurotransmitters, increasing migraine risk.
✔ Irregular sleep schedules can also be a trigger—stick to a routine!
3. Hormonal Changes (Especially in Women) 🩸
Fluctuations in estrogen levels are a huge migraine trigger, which is why migraines are more common in:
✔ Women on birth control
✔ Pregnancy or menopause
✔ The days before/during a menstrual cycle (“menstrual migraines”)
4. Dehydration & Poor Nutrition 💧
✔ Skipping meals or fasting can cause low blood sugar, triggering migraines.
✔ Dehydration thickens the blood, leading to poor circulation and pain.
💡 Try eating small, balanced meals and drinking plenty of water!
5. Food & Drink Triggers 🍷🍫
Some foods contain chemicals that trigger migraines, including:
❌ Caffeine (too much OR withdrawal)
❌ Alcohol (especially red wine)
❌ Aged cheeses
❌ Chocolate
❌ Processed meats (nitrates & MSG)
❌ Artificial sweeteners
(National Headache Foundation, 2022)
6. Weather Changes 🌩️
Changes in barometric pressure, humidity, or temperature can trigger migraines—especially before a storm.
✔ Many migraine sufferers report increased attacks during sudden weather shifts.
7. Bright Lights & Strong Smells 💡
Fluorescent lights, screen glare, perfumes, smoke, or chemical smells can all trigger migraines due to sensory overstimulation.
✔ Blue light exposure from phones & computers can also play a role!
8. Medication Overuse 💊
Ironically, taking too many painkillers (like ibuprofen or acetaminophen) can cause "rebound headaches," making migraines more frequent.
✔ Overusing caffeine-based pain relievers (like Excedrin) can also backfire.
How to Treat & Prevent Chronic Migraines
There’s no single cure, but many treatments can reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.
1. Medication Options
✔ Preventative medications (for chronic migraines):
- Beta-blockers (like propranolol)
- Antidepressants (like amitriptyline)
- Anti-seizure drugs (like topiramate)
- CGRP inhibitors (new migraine-specific treatments)
✔ Abortive medications (to stop a migraine in progress):
- Triptans (sumatriptan, rizatriptan)
- NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen)
(Mayo Clinic, 2023)
2. Lifestyle Changes & Natural Remedies
✔ Maintain a regular sleep schedule
✔ Stay hydrated & eat balanced meals
✔ Manage stress (yoga, meditation, deep breathing)
✔ Reduce screen time & blue light exposure
✔ Track triggers with a migraine journal
3. Botox for Chronic Migraines
✔ FDA-approved for chronic migraine sufferers
✔ Involves small injections into the scalp & neck
✔ Can reduce migraine days by 50% or more
(Journal of Neurology, 2021)
4. Acupuncture & Massage Therapy
✔ Stimulates blood flow & relieves tension
✔ Can reduce migraine frequency & severity
(Harvard Medical School, 2022)
5. Supplements That May Help
✔ Magnesium (many migraine sufferers are deficient)
✔ Riboflavin (B2) (shown to reduce migraine frequency)
✔ Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) (helps improve energy production in brain cells)
Final Thoughts: You CAN Take Control of Chronic Migraines
Migraines can be debilitating, but by identifying your triggers and trying the right treatments, you can reduce their frequency and severity.
✔ Track your symptoms.
✔ Experiment with lifestyle changes.
✔ Seek medical help if migraines are affecting your daily life.
💬 Do you struggle with chronic migraines? Share your experience & tips in the comments! 👇
