Migraine is a neurological condition that can cause severe headaches along with other symptoms like nausea, extreme sensitivity to sound and light, temporary issues with vision and speech, and fatigue. Most people experience throbbing or pulsing pain during migraine attacks. While this condition can run in families, the exact cause is not yet known. The headaches can be triggered by certain smells, foods, and even changes in routine. Some surprising triggers for migraine attacks are:

Perfumes
Strong smells can act as migraine triggers for some people. Scented products like perfume or even certain kinds of makeup can induce an attack. If sensitive to strong smells, one should avoid wearing perfumes with a strong fragrance and limit the use of room fresheners. Further, the smell of paints and flowers or bad odors can also induce headaches.

Weather-related changes
Excessive heat or storms can be triggers for those who are sensitive to such changes. Heat and high humidity can cause dehydration, which can cause migraines. Further, changes in atmospheric pressure right before or during a storm can also induce headaches. A shift in weather may trigger electrical and chemical changes in the brain, which can aggravate the symptoms of an attack.

Overuse of treatment options
When treatment options for relieving and preventing migraines are overused or misused, the adverse effects could include migraine attacks. Daily use of certain treatments to relieve regular attacks can induce rebound attacks and frequent headaches once the treatment wears off. One should get the prescription completely out of their system and consult the doctor to recommend an effective option.

Changes in sleep schedule
Sleep and migraine are strongly linked, and any changes in the sleeping pattern can trigger headaches. Sleep helps repair all parts of the body and helps eliminate mental fatigue that builds up throughout the day. An irregular schedule, sleeping too much or too little can also increase the risk of an attack. One should try to get 7–8 hours of sleep every night, develop a manageable sleep plan, and go to bed at the same time every day.

Hormonal changes
Women are usually more likely to get migraines than men, as hormonal changes in women can make them experience menstrual migraines. The attacks can be brought on by a drop in estrogen. A few changes in food and lifestyle can help deal with these changes, and doctors can recommend a suitable treatment plan to relieve and prevent these headaches.

Stress
Stress is among the most common triggers for migraine attacks. People with high stress levels can experience more frequent and high-intensity attacks. So, reducing stress and worry, practicing relaxation, and keeping mental tension at bay can reduce the risk of attacks. Effective management of stress through yoga, meditation, and other relaxation techniques can be an effective solution.

Additionally, common triggers include excessive natural and artificial light and loud sounds. People sensitive to loud noises should avoid extremely crowded places like concerts. Extreme sensitivity to light, or photophobia, can be managed by wearing sunglasses when outside and using special LED lamps (green lights or migraine lamps) indoors.

Treatment options
There is no permanent cure for the condition, however, doctors can recommend treatment options to manage the symptoms and reduce the impact of the condition on patients’ daily lives. The treatment options for migraine can help in reducing the number of attacks and decreasing the severity of the symptoms. A few common signs of migraines can sometimes be observed a day or two before the actual headache sets in. Some treatments can begin relieving symptoms as soon as they develop to control the severity of the attack. A few popular treatment options are:

Nurtec: This option is prescribed for preventing or treating episodic migraines in adults. Nurtec is an oral prescription option and is the brand name for rimegepant. It is a CGRP receptor antagonist, i.e., blocks migraine-inducing peptides, relieving symptoms as they develop. Nurtec also helps in reducing the frequency as well as the severity of attacks.

Ubrelvy: This is the brand name for ubrogepant, which works by lowering the CGRP count in the brain. Ubrelvy helps relieve the common symptoms like severe pain, nausea, and vomiting. This prescription treatment option is consumed orally and can begin working within 2 hours. Nausea and drowsiness are common side effects.

Qulipta: This is used for preventing episodic migraine attacks in adults. Qulipta is an oral treatment option that is available only with a prescription. The dosage can vary from person to person. This option also blocks migraine-inducing peptides (CGRP) and relieves the symptoms. Its side effects include fatigue and a reduction in appetite.

The options can vary depending on the severity and type of migraines, the patient’s age, frequency of attacks, and existing health conditions, among other factors. Along with treatment options, measures such as adopting an active lifestyle by engaging in moderate exercise can also help people deal with migraines. Further, making better food choices, like adding magnesium-rich food to meals or avoiding processed items, can also reduce the risk of an attack. Doctors can recommend suitable meals, treatment, and exercise plans to help people deal with the condition.