Anyone else's migraine trigger smells? - National Migraine...

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Anyone else's migraine trigger smells?

cazza8 profile image
7 Replies

My migraine trigger is perfume all I have to do is be near someone wearing perfume especially the cheap stinky stuff & I get one. Air fresheners are also a major cause especially the plug in ones which are just killer. I also can't go near white lillies & hyacinths as their smell also triggers migraines. As you can imagine it can make life difficult sometimes fortunately my migraines aren't as bad as they used to be just a bad headache & nausea I used to get a lot of aura ones but these seem to of stopped thankfully.

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cazza8
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7 Replies
Gambit62 profile image
Gambit62

main trigger is hormonal for me but I am sensitive to smells - eg paint, tobacco

have heard of perfumes as well for others.

funny how symptoms bother people in different ways - aura tends not to be a major concern for me but the nausea is my killer - so violent :)

I do find that other smells can ease a bit so might be worth looking for some odours that help and see if they can mask. The ones that work for me would probably be killers for you though - peppermint, citric scents and ylang ylang.

Margauxjean profile image
Margauxjean in reply toGambit62

Perfumes trigger migraines for me big time. The cheaper ones are the worst-- especially if I am in The Zone-- borderline about to tip into migraine territory. Essential oils don't bother me as much unless I am in the midst of a headache, at which time I can't tolerate ANY stimulus: smell, light, sound. Zero. Recently I was in a metaphysical bookstore that was burning and selling intense Indian incense -- I pulled my scarf up over my nose which helped block. For some reason Japanese incense does not trigger for me, and I burn it every day I am headache-free!!

Be well everyone. Keep trying and keep tuning in for help.

cazza8 profile image
cazza8 in reply toMargauxjean

I know what you mean about the cheap perfumes they are awful. The problem is there's nothing you can do unless you are willing to stay home 24/7.

cazza8 profile image
cazza8 in reply toGambit62

I'm fine with citrus scents but they have to be natural, chemical ones give me a headache but woody & plant smells like lavender are a no go for me. Paint & some types of glue are also triggers so I know how you feel. Sometimes I think it would be so nice not to have a sense of smell.

Bea66 profile image
Bea66

Me too. Perfumes, and plug ins are the worst for me. Olbas oil, or lemon or lime oil I find quite good at counteracting the nausea in particular.

cazza8 profile image
cazza8

Plug ins should be banned. I'll have to try olbas oil or lemon oil although I tend to find eating something helps with the nausea. Thanks for the advice.

1stgls profile image
1stgls

My hubby! perfumes and some types of flowers, also household cleaning products, shower gel and deodorants cause most hassle because everyone uses them, there is no way to avoid them.

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