Prevalence of trigger factors in migraine

Abstract

Background: Migraine is one of the most common types of headache. Many patients with migraine have precipitating factors known as trigger factors, recognition of which may lead to a better diagnostic, preventive and therapeutic approach. Objective: To study the prevalence of various trigger factors in patients with migraine, and to analyse various socio-demographic factors with respect to trigger factors. Materials and Methods: A total number of 500 patients of either sex fulfilling the ICHD3 diagnostic criteria for migraine aged more than 15 years attending Neurology Department of SMS Medical College, Jaipur, between January 2018 and February 2019 were studied. Patient enrolled in the study underwent a detailed structured interview and the information regarding the characteristics of headache including the time of onset, duration, frequency, character, site and associated features with due stress on the trigger or precipitating factors. Chi-square and t-test were performed to determine the statistical significance of the results. Results: As per the analysis, 91% of the patients reported more than one trigger factor for headache. Bright sunlight (43%), physical activity (43%), noise (42%), stressful events (41%), tea/coffee deprivation (38%), travelling (34%), hunger (33%), sleep (31%), and fatigue (29%) were some of the major trigger factors reported by the sample. People living in urban areas reported a higher number of trigger factor as compared to rural areas, which includes factors such as stress and fatigue. Sleep deprivation and physical stress were higher among rural areas. Conclusion: The present study presents a general idea about trigger factors related to headache in the North-western part of India. Bright sunlight, physical activity, noise, stressful events, tea/coffee deprivation, travelling, hunger, sleep, and fatigue parameters were some of the major trigger factors reported by the sample. Moreover, people living in urban areas reported a higher