To be honest, we do not yet really know what causes migraines. Treatment options exist, but their effectiveness varies quite a bit. New options are under study, but they cannot provide any relief unless they are proven safe and capable of making a real difference. Being a migraine sufferer puts one in a tough position.

However, there is no reason to simply surrender and allow migraines to strike without doing anything proactive. Although we may not fully understand the neurological electrical storm that seems to create those awful headaches and other debilitating symptoms, we do know that certain things and specific behaviors tend to trigger migraine headaches. By avoiding those recognized triggers, we can conceivably reduce the number of migraine headaches we experience.

Let us look at a few of the triggers that are well known for setting off a migraine.

First, there are dietary triggers. Certain foods tend to invite migraines. Ingestion of nitrates/nitrites, monosodium glutamate (MSG) and alcohol have all been linked to migraine headaches. Avoiding trigger foods and trigger additives may be a good way to keep the number of painful episodes low.

However, you do not want to avoid food altogether. That is because the second common trigger is hunger. Those who are hungry tend to experience more migraine headaches than those who eat regularly and rarely hear a growl from the belly. You might have to avoid the stuff with MSG, but you should still be eating!

Third, there are medicinal triggers. Certain prescription drugs can act as a trigger for migraines. Although this does happen with men, too, women are most often victimized by this trigger. That is because hormone replacement therapy involving the ingestion of estrogen and birth control pills are widely recognized as two of the more potent medicinal triggers.

Fourth, a lack of sleep can set off migraines. Keeping reasonable hours and getting enough sleep seems to be a nice defensive maneuver in the face of potential migraines.

This list of triggers is by no means exhaustive. A variety of behaviors and substances has been linked to migraines. These, however, are recognized as playing a significant role in the onset of migraines for many people.

We might not yet know the source of migraines and we may not have a full-fledged solution to the pain of the migraine headache yet. However, we do know enough to avoid some common triggers. By keeping the four triggers mentioned in mind, you may be able to decrease the number of migraines you experience.

Avoid eating the wrong things, but do not go hungry. Watch your medications and ask your doctor if they could be playing a role in your migraines and whether you can make a safe switch to an alternative. Take care of yourself and get plenty of sleep. You may still have migraines, but hopefully you will have as few as possible.