Migraine is a neurological disorder characterized by severe, pulsating headaches often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. While the exact cause of migraines remains elusive, various triggers have been identified, including certain odors. Odor-triggered migraines can be particularly challenging to manage and treat. Below are some familiar smells that may trigger the condition, simple strategies to cope with them, and other factors that can trigger migraines. Why do certain odors cause migraine? The phenomenon of migraine headaches due to odor sensitivity is called osmophobia or olfactory migraines. The exact mechanism by which odors trigger migraines is not fully understood, but several theories exist. One is sensory overload, wherein strong odors overload the brain’s sensory processing, leading to a migraine in individuals susceptible to sensory triggers. Some people may also have heightened sensitivity to certain chemicals found in odorous substances. When exposed to these chemicals, their bodies may react with a migraine. Lastly, odors can activate specific neural pathways in the brain, potentially triggering migraine pathways in those predisposed to migraines. Odors that may trigger migraine Perfumes and fragrances Perfumes and strong fragrances are among the most common migraine triggers. The synthetic chemicals in many perfumes can overwhelm the olfactory system, leading to migraines in susceptible individuals.

Besides throbbing head pain, migraines can cause a range of lesser-known symptoms that can be equally distressing. From elusive prodrome signs like mood changes and food cravings to sensory disturbances like altered taste and auditory sensitivity, these hidden aspects of migraines significantly impact a person’s well-being in the long run. This brief post sheds light on a few lesser-known migraine symptoms, emphasizing their importance in accurate diagnosis and better management. Prodrome symptoms Before the onset of the actual headache, many migraine patients experience a phase known as the prodrome. This phase can trigger various subtle symptoms: Mood changes: Individuals may experience mood swings, irritability, or sudden changes in temperament. Some become unusually excitable or anxious during this phase. Food cravings: Intense cravings for specific foods, especially sweets or carbohydrates, can be a prodromal symptom. These cravings are thought to be related to changes in brain chemistry. Increased thirst and urination: Some notice increased thirst and more frequent urination during the prodrome phase. This can be attributed to shifts in the body’s fluid balance. Neck stiffness: Neck stiffness or discomfort is a less-common prodromal sign but can cause discomfort. Sensory changes Migraines can profoundly affect the senses, leading to a range of unusual experiences:

Migraine is a type of headache that may result from a neurological condition. It causes severe pulsating pain, usually on one side of the head. If you regularly have migraine attacks, consult a neurologist who can treat your chronic migraine. The doctor will help you identify the factors that trigger your headaches and treat the pain accordingly. A person’s age, family history, sex, and hormones make them more prone to migraines. Migraine triggers Though the deep-rooted cause of migraines remains unknown, specific triggers can cause the onset of migraines. Some of them are: Food and food additives Particular food and chemical additives may set off migraine attacks. Fasting is another meal-related trigger that is responsible for this h ealth  condition. Caffeine, chocolate, cheese, pickled, fermented, and cured foods are associated with a migraine attack. Also, it has been found that food items containing more Tyramine may cause this condition. It has also been reported that Migraines may also be triggered by aspartame, an artificial sweetener, and Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), the flavor enhancer. Many people believe in this rational finding, while the experiments have led to conflicting results for aspartame. Hunger and dehydration Hunger or skipping meals is another factor that triggers this  health  condition.