Quick Answer
A practical guide to recognizing migraine triggers and using diary tracking to support clinical discussions.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Jitendra Prasad Yadav • NMC 8029 • Kathmandu Neurology Clinic & Cognitive Center
Migraine triggers vary widely between individuals and even across time for the same person. Common contributors include sleep disruption, stress, hormonal changes, irregular meals, dehydration, and certain foods or drinks, but triggers alone do not cause migraine in the absence of susceptibility.
Keeping a headache diary can help reveal patterns. Record date, duration, severity, associated symptoms (nausea, light sensitivity), possible triggers in the preceding 24 hours, medication taken, and relief. Bring this record to consultations.
Dr. Jitendra Prasad Yadav — consultant neurologist & headache specialist at Kathmandu Neurology Clinic & Cognitive Center provides evidence-based evaluation for migraine.
It is important to avoid eliminating foods or activities excessively without guidance. Focus on consistency: regular sleep and meal times, hydration, and stress management strategies.
When evaluating migraine, a clinician will review diary data alongside history and examination to distinguish migraine from other headache types and to discuss individualized options. If headache frequency increases or pattern changes, seek reassessment.
This article is educational and does not provide individual medical advice.
Migraine vs Other Headaches — Quick Comparison
| Feature | Migraine | Tension-Type |
|---|---|---|
| Pain | Throbbing, often one-sided | Pressure, band-like, bilateral |
| Severity | Moderate–severe | Mild–moderate |
| Other | Nausea, photophobia, aura | No nausea/vomiting, mild photophobia only |
Table for comprehension — see Migraine guide → for full criteria.
Frequently asked questions
Answers reviewed by Dr. Jitendra Prasad Yadav • MBBS, MD (Internal Medicine), FICN (Neurology), FCNV, FIHM • NMC 8029
Migraine is a neurological condition; headache is one feature. Associated symptoms and functional impact are important for diagnosis.
Aura refers to visual, sensory, or speech symptoms that precede the headache in some people. Both types are migraine; the presence of aura may influence management discussion.
Frequency may improve with systematic evaluation of types, contributors, and individualized planning, but outcomes vary.
Using pain medication on 10+ days per month can trigger daily headache. Reduction or cessation under medical supervision may help break this cycle.
Migraine typically presents as moderate-severe throbbing headache with nausea and/or sensitivity to light or sound, worsened by routine activity. Duration 4–72 hours. Dr. Jitendra Prasad Yadav (NMC 8029) uses ICHD-3 criteria plus your headache diary (frequency, aura, medication days) and red-flag screen to distinguish …
Prevention is discussed after 4–8 weeks of diary shows ≥8 migrainous days/month or medication-overuse pattern. Options include lifestyle regularity, comorbidity treatment and preventive medicines selected per history and contraindications. No preventive works instantly; follow-up with the same consultant tracks days/mo…
More: All FAQs → · Ask Dr. Jitendra →
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Migraine and Diet —— Common Triggers and What Actually Helps in Kathmandu
Migraine diet triggers Kathmandu: evidence-based dietary guidance, trigger identification and migraine-friendly eating patterns by Dr. Jitendra Prasad Yadav (NMC 8029).
Migraine vs Ordinary Headache: How to Tell the Difference
Migraine is more than a strong headache —— timing, associated symptoms, and disability distinguish it from tension-type and cluster headache.
Medical Disclaimer
Content on this website is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is not a substitute for evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified provider with any questions regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. In case of a medical emergency, contact emergency services immediately. No doctor–patient relationship is established by use of this site or by contacting the clinic through the site.
References & Review
Reviewed by Dr. Jitendra Prasad Yadav • Last reviewed: 2026-09-04
- International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (ICHD-3).
- Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine — Neurology sections.
- American Academy of Neurology guidelines for selected conditions (where applicable).
Content is educational and aligns with standard medical references; individual evaluation may vary. External links provide context and do not imply endorsement.