FAQS ABOUT
MIGRAINES

By discussing the frequency and severity of your migraines with your doctor along with how it affects your life, the two of you can determine if preventative therapy is right for you. Your doctor will ask you questions like the ones in our preventative therapy quiz that you can find in our tools and resources section.

Yes. Changes in the weather is a common trigger of migraines. Heat, humidity, barometric pressure changes, smog and poor air quality have all been shown to be potential triggers of migraines.

Migraine attacks are often brought on by exposure to certain triggers.

Common triggers include stress, irregular schedules, weather changes, some food and beverages.

Potential Triggers of Migraine:

• Acute stress (accident, mourning, divorce, marriage and etc.)
• Chronic stress (marital, profession, disease-related and financial)
• Drop in stress levels – like when you wind down on the weekend, on a vacation or after completing a stressful activity.
• Sleep and irregular routine
• Lack of sleep
• Sleeping in, sleeping longer than usual
• Jet lag and travel
• Working variable shifts
• New baby

• Skipping a meal
• Dehydration
• Caffeinated Beverages
• Caffeine withdrawal
• Alcohol – especially wine
• aspartame
• monosodium glutamate
• aged cheeses
• chocolate
• processed meats

• Strong lights
• Loud noises
• Odours (fragrances, gasoline and detergents)

• Heat, humidity, changes in barometric pressure and chinook
• Smog and poor air quality

• Menstrual period
• First trimester of pregnancy
• Perimenopause
• Contraceptives (very variable)
• Physical Activity
• Intense exercise
• Sexual activity

There is evidence to support that there is a genetic component to migraines. The family members may have a genetic pre-disposition to getting migraines. In other words, if people in your family suffer from migraines, you may have an increased likelihood of getting them as well.

Migraine is a condition with over 2.7 million Canadians diagnosed with migraines (stats Canada). And females are twice as likely as males to report migraines. (11.8% versus 4.7%)

Migraines are a neurological disorder characterized by headache and varying neurological dysfunctions.

Migraine is a neurological disorder characterized by headache and varying neurological dysfunctions. It is not known what the underlying cause of migraine is. It is however widely accepted that it involved the activation and sensitization of the vascular pathways in the brain and brain stem. It is both a vascular and neurological condition.