Types of migraines
There are two main types of migraines:
- Migraine with aura (classical migraine) – an aura is a warning sign so before a migraine begins, you will begin to experience a warning. Symptoms include:
- Visual problems (e.g. flashing lights or blind spots)
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- Pins and needles in the neck/shoulder or limbs
- Disorientation/co-ordination problems
- Difficulty speaking
- Migraine without aura (common migraine) - this is where the migraine will occur but without any specific warning signs
Triggers for a migraine
It is thought that migraines are caused by a decrease in the chemical serotonin in the brain. It’s unknown why the serotonin levels change in the brain but here are the most common triggers which could spark a migraine attack:
| Trigger | Example of triggers |
| Emotions | Stress, anxiety, depression, shock and even excitement. |
| Physical | Tiredness, lack of sleep, oversleeping, poor posture, low blood sugar and doing too much exercise. |
| Diet | Lack of food due to dieting, dehydration, alcohol, caffeine, certain foods such as chocolate, citrus fruits and cheese. |
| Environment | Bright lights, flickering computer screen, exposure to smoke, changes in climate, strong smells. |
| Medication | Sleeping tablets, the contraceptive pill and hormone replacement therapy. |
| Family History | There may be a genetic link to migraines occurring. |
| Hormones | Fluctuating hormone levels can be closely linked to migraines and some women suffer during their periods. |
There is no cure for migraines but the best way to manage it is by understanding what may trigger the onset of a migraine. To help identify a trigger, it is recommended to keep a migraine diary over 2-3 months recording as much information as possible. Here are a few pointers:
- Onset of attack
- Symptoms
- How long the attack lasts
- Location of pain
- Type of pain
To read further on the triggers, please visit NHS choices.