What Triggers a Hemiplegic Migraine?

When I have asked the women in our group about what triggers their hemiplegic migraine, I receive a myriad of answers. But the majority list the triggers given below as major instigators of attacks. The migraine triggers which affect me the most are stress, sleep, and smell. However, the really big one for me not on the list is weather. I am actually surprised it's not on the list! I downloaded 'The Weather App' on my phone so I know what the weather is going to be like for the week. If it is going to rain, I'm not going to be well. I will feel nauseated and many times have a migraine. It may not become a full hemiplegic migraine, but most times a migraine with vertigo and nausea. I am also sensitive to extreme heat and cold. So weather is THE biggest trigger for me. I know with the changes in temperatures recently, many women in our group have struggled with their hemiplegic migraine attacks.

According to research, listed below are the leading instigators of hemiplegic migraine attacks.

• Acute and emotional stress

• Bright and artificial light

• Head trauma

• Disrupted sleep patterns

• Physical Exertion

• Menstruation

• Smell triggers

• Alcohol

Acute and emotional stress

Stress is usually at the top of many countless "trigger" lists. For hemiplegic migraine, stress comes in many forms—acute stress during or after a stressful event as well as emotional tension. Evidence suggests that at least one-third of those with hemiplegic migraine list various stressors as triggers for attacks.

Bright and artificial light Light sensitivity is known to trigger many with having an attack. It is considered the second largest trigger. Screen use and flashing lights (from video games, for example) might be a notable precursor for children with hemiplegic episodes.

Head trauma It probably comes as no surprise that any injury or trauma to the head can bring on a migraine attack, and there is repeated evidence that a pre-existing headache diagnosis only worsens these symptoms after a concussion or traumatic brain injury.

Disrupted sleep patterns Whether you get too much sleep or not enough, inconsistencies in rest negatively impact people with migraine. Over 30% of hemiplegic patients acknowledging sleep as a trigger. Any disruption in nightly routine can lead to pain and other symptoms the following day.

Physical exertion Putting added stress and strain on the physical body, through exercise or other means, can unfortunately instigate a hemiplegic migraine attack. However, it requires intense physical effort such as running. It is important to understand your own limitations physically.

Menstruation A drop in hormone levels, particularly estrogen, have been implicated in the brain inflammation associated with migraine attacks. A quarter of people with hemiplegic migraine report menstruation or taking a break from their birth control pill as a trigger.

Smell triggers The power of a strong odor can set off a chain of neurological responses in the migraine brain. Increased sensitivity and intolerance to smells is called osmophobia. Common odors that trigger a hemiplegic migraine attack include: car exhaust, pesticides, perfume, nail polish, cigarette smoke, and cleaning products.

Alcohol Consumption of alcoholic beverages is another trigger for a hemiplegic migraine attack. Red wine is the most common of alcohol-based triggers, although beer and other liquor can bring about the same outcomes.

Courtesy of theraspecs.com

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