What Causes Migraines?

Stress

Some patients find stress causes them to experience migraine symptoms, and stress may also increase the severity of these headaches. Stressful life events such as the death of a family member, unemployment, divorce, or a move could lead to a migraine, and chronic stress at work, home, or school may also be a trigger. For example, patients could experience a migraine due to the stress associated with hurrying to meet a project deadline or with caring for a new baby or a sick family member. Keeping a headache trigger journal often provides valuable information the patient and their doctor can use to plan effective treatment. Patients should write down the date, time, source of stress, and duration of each episode, and it can also be helpful to write down emotions experienced during and after the episode. Adopting healthy coping mechanisms and practicing relaxation strategies may improve stress management and symptom control. Patients might wish to experiment with deep breathing or meditation, and doctors can provide information on sources of community support.

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