How do you counsel patients on migraine "triggers"?

What often triggers headaches or migraines is not just one factor acting alone, but rather a combination of triggers compounding together. Consequently, it's generally more effective and less demanding to prevent triggers from compounding, rather than avoiding them altogether. However, the first step is identifying these triggers from the extensive list of potential triggers. A useful approach is for the patient to write down possible triggers each time a headache occurs. This is best done after the headache has passed, when the mind is clear again, asking oneself: what, if anything, might have triggered this headache or migraine?

It's crucial to write down any thoughts that come to mind and not rely solely on memory, as it's prone to fail. Following this method over time will help compile a list of potential triggers, which may be extensive for most migraine sufferers. The next step involves examining all these triggers and selecting around half a dozen that are easiest to avoid without significantly disrupting one's lifestyle. Efforts should then be made to eliminate these triggers from daily life, and with some luck, this could reduce the compounding effect of triggers and consequently decrease the frequency of migraine headaches.