How Odors Can Trigger A Migraine

Many people have scents that remind them of good times, and there are others who want to puke at certain smells. Osmophobia is defined as a heightened sensitivity or aversion to smells. This may be how odors can trigger a migraine. Since it is a common symptom with migraine sufferers, let’s look deeper.

Common Migraine Triggers

Osmophobia is frequently described in 95% of migraine patients, and it is also known to trigger or worsen attacks. In fact, this can help researchers and doctors to distinguish between migraine headaches, tension headaches, and other headaches.

The worst offenders seem to be perfume, gas, paint, cigarette smoke, cleaning products like bleach, nail polish, and asphalt. Other studies identify cooking odors like onions and fried food.

Researchers believe this extra sensitivity to smell is due to increased activation of specific scent and pain receptors in our brains. Known as the olfactory bulb, it processes signals from the nose, and its size affects the sensitivity. People who get migraines are likely to have a smaller olfactory bulb than people who don’t.

Increased Sensitivity of Migraine Sufferers

Those patients who get migraine headaches are already sensitive to things in the environment. They are typically sensitive to light (photophobia), sound (phonophobia), and odors (osmophobia) leading to nausea. These all contribute to migraines and their severity.

The migraine aura, or visual disturbance, many migraine sufferers experience can also become an olfactory hallucination, where they are smelling something that isn’t there.

Track Your Migraine Triggers

Being aware of your triggers can aid in relieving the symptoms. If you become aware of smells or fumes that normally create a problem, try to move out of the environment. Go outside, get some air, or at least open a window or two if possible.

Keep a small journal to note your environment and odors as a headache begins. Discuss these findings with Puget Sound Neurology in Tacoma, WA