I have frequent migraines. Will lifestyle factors worsen it?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have been experiencing migraine headaches for years, usually starting with visual blurriness followed by severe throbbing pain on one side. Last week, my MRI report showed no major structural issues, but my recent blood test indicated slightly low vitamin B12.

I take sumatriptan when attacks come, but sometimes the relief is only partial, and nausea persists. So my concerns are:

Could the low B12 be contributing to these frequent attacks?
Should I consider preventive medications rather than only treating when the pain starts?
Also, can lifestyle factors like sleep irregularities and skipping meals actually worsen the frequency of migraine episodes?

Kindly suggest.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Yes, your history is very typical of migraine with aura (visual blurriness followed by one-sided throbbing pain, often with nausea).

You must understand the role of vitamin B12. Mildly low vitamin B12 is not usually the main cause of migraine, but deficiencies in B12, vitamin D, folate, or magnesium may increase frequency or severity in some people. Correcting it can sometimes reduce attacks and is good for nerve health overall.

Since you are already using Sumatriptan but still getting incomplete relief and frequent attacks, preventive therapy may help. Preventives are daily medicines that reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines.

Medication options that can prevent migraines include beta-blockers (Propranolol), anti-epileptics (Topiramate, Valproate), tricyclic antidepressants (Amitriptyline), and newer monoclonal antibodies (CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide) inhibitors). Your neurologist can decide which suits your age, health, and future pregnancy plans.

Yes, lifestyle is a strong trigger. Some common triggering factors that worsen migraines are as follows:

Irregular sleep.
Skipped meals.
Dehydration.
Excess caffeine.
Stress.
Hormonal changes.

I suggest you monitor these triggers and keep a regular sleep, meal, and hydration routine. Also, identifying and noting other personal triggers through a headache diary often reduces migraine episodes.

I hope this helps you.

For more queries, please reach out to me anytime. I am here to help you.

Thank you and take care.

I have frequent migraines. Will lifestyle factors worsen it?

Migraine triggers: Build your awareness map.