Understanding How Stress Can Trigger Migraine Headaches

You know the subtle warning signs of an oncoming migraine. Maybe it starts with a slight twinge above your eyes, a shimmering aura in your vision, or even a sudden wave of fatigue. If you suffer from frequent migraines, you know the drill — just like you know that stress can trigger an episode.

But have you ever wondered why this happens? Migraine headaches are one of our specialties at Migraine and Headache Center of Florida in Altamonte Spring, Florida, where board-certified neurologist and headache specialist Dr. Bernadette Nazario-Lopez, MD, works with you to prevent these headaches from consuming your life.

Let’s break down how stress can trigger migraine headaches and how you can prevent and treat them.

Inside the stress-migraine connection

If you’ve ever noticed that tension around your head and neck can quickly turn into a full-blown migraine when you’re stressed, you aren’t alone. 

It’s as if stress triggers a domino effect, starting with muscle tightness around your head, neck, or shoulders and quickly escalating into throbbing pain, nausea, or sensitivity to light and sound.

This type of migraine doesn’t just come from emotional stress. Even physical stress, like poor posture or long hours looking at a screen, can kick it off. Once it starts, it can feel like your body is in overdrive, struggling to manage the tension while also dealing with migraine symptoms.

Find out what’s behind your migraine headaches triggered by stress

Most migraine headaches triggered by stress may start with migraine symptoms that quickly lead to tension, amplifying and spreading the pain. Your specific triggers can be just about anything, but the most common include:

• Tight deadlines or demanding projects
• Slouching while sitting or standing for long durations
• Getting fewer than seven hours of sleep or disrupted sleep cycles
• Suddenly reducing or eliminating caffeine intake
• Skipping meals by going too long without eating or inconsistent meal schedules
• Bright or flickering lights 
• Strong odors from fragrances, smoke, or strong cleaning products
• Changes in routine from travel, time zone shifts, or altered daily schedules

These triggers build stress in your body that can lead to muscle tension, which intensifies the pain and discomfort of migraines.

Stop your next migraine headache in its tracks 

If you're tired of migraine headaches disrupting your daily life, there are many effective solutions to prevent and manage these painful episodes triggered by stress. Consider implementing a mix of lifestyle changes and treatment options that can help keep your headaches at bay:

• Stress management techniques such yoga and other relaxation exercises 
• Consistent sleep patterns to ensure at least seven hours of rest
• Medications like preventive and abortive options to manage symptoms
• Nerve blocks to interrupt pain signals
• Intravenous (IV) infusions for faster relief during an attack and for prevention of these
• Botox® injections to reduce the frequency of chronic migraines

Talk to Dr. Nazario-Lopez at the Migraine and Headache Center of Florida to create a personalized plan that works for you. Call our office today, or schedule an appointment online to take the first step toward migraine relief.