Why Do I Keep Getting Migraines?

Perhaps the only thing worse than having migraines is having them often. People who have 15 or more migraines per month for three or more months are classified as chronic migraine sufferers. 

The relentless onslaught of migraines can be disabling. The team at Florida Pain Management Institute understands, and we’re here to help. As migraine specialists, we know how disruptive the pain and other symptoms can be. 

Why do I keep getting migraines?

It’s not fully understood how migraines operate, although there are several known contributors, including genetics and changes in brain chemistry. People with chronic migraines may have more of these factors, or they could have a higher sensitivity to 

Though medical science doesn’t understand the processes, patients with occasional migraines sometimes develop more frequent attacks. It is known that overuse of certain medications may contribute to this transformation. 

It is known that migraines have triggers that vary from person to person, which tend to start episodes. Frequent migraines may be due to exposure to unrecognized triggers or a vast number of triggers to which you’re sensitive.

About 15% of the population suffers from migraines, with up to 2.2% of people classed as chronic migraine sufferers. You don’t need to meet the criteria for a chronic diagnosis for migraines to have a significant impact on your life.  

Migraine triggers

An essential part of migraine management for anyone with the condition is trigger awareness. When you know the factors that can start your migraine episodes, you can take steps to limit your exposure, ideally resulting in fewer or less severe attacks. 

Some of the common migraine triggers include: 

• Alcohol, particularly red wine
• Caffeine: drinking more or less than your regular consumption can be a trigger
• Changes to your sleep pattern: too much or not enough sleep can both be triggers
• Changes in the weather, particularly barometric pressure
• Dehydration
• Fragrances, odors, or scents
• Foods, including aged cheeses, chocolates, and preserved meats
• Frequent use of headache medications to control migraine pain
• Hunger
• Hormone changes, including during menopause, the menstrual cycle, and pregnancy
• Light, including glare and reflections
• Sounds, typically low-frequency or high-frequency mechanical sounds

This list of triggers isn’t comprehensive. Your triggers may be unique to you. One of the best ways to identify undiscovered triggers is through keeping a migraine diary, your recollections of possible causes for current episodes. 

Over time, enlightening patterns may emerge. Medical assistance and supervision can help you minimize the impact of migraine episodes. 

Contact Florida Pain Management Institute to book a migraine consultation and exam to find relief from your frequent attacks. Schedule an appointment with any of our three locations in Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, or Palm Beach Gardens by calling 561-331-5050 or using the Request Appointment tool on this page today.