Migraine Headaches, Vision Effects (cont.)

Medical Author:

Ronald Braswell, MD

Medical Editor:

Joseph Carcione Jr, DO, MBA

Medical Editor:

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD

Medical Editor:

James H Halsey, MD

Nobody knows for sure how migraines are caused, although many contributing factors have been identified.

Family history
Stress
Too much or too little sleep
Medications - Vasodilators (drugs that make blood vessels widen), oral contraceptives (birth control pills)
Smoking
Foods and food additives - Alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, artificial sweeteners (aspartame, saccharin), monosodium glutamate (MSG), citrus fruits, meats with nitrites, salt
Foods containing tyramines - Aged cheese, yogurt, sour cream, chicken livers, sausages, bananas, avocados, canned figs, raisins, peanuts, soy sauce, pickled fish, freshly baked breads, pork, vinegars, beans
Exposure to bright or fluorescent lighting
Strong odors - Perfumes, colognes, petroleum-based products
Hormonal changes - Menstruation (common association), pregnancy, ovulation
Head trauma
Weather changes
Metabolic or infectious diseases
Physical exertion or fatigue
Motion sickness
Cold stimulus (eating ice cream)