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On another thread, we were discussing triggers. We thought that maybe it would be valuable to compile a list and post it in the ClusterBuster Files section. I have started this list by adding things that I remember to an initial list provided by ThatHurtsMyHead. I would appreciate any corrections, additions, or clarifications so we can make a list that’s as complete as possible. If you can think of a better way of organizing it, please suggest that. This is just a start. Not all of these things are triggers for everyone. Even alcoholic drinks, probably the most common triggers, don’t affect everyone. And for some people, some alcoholic drinks are triggers and some aren’t. So the purpose of this list is to help people think about what their own triggers might be, so that they don’t suffer needlessly from not recognizing them. Airplane travel Alcoholic drinks Altitude: high-altitude locations; travel from high altitude locations to lower ones and from lower ones to higher ones Amyl nitrate (used medically to treat heart diseases such as angina, and also used as an inhalant drug, often called a “popper,†that induces a brief euphoric state) BBQ Sauce Cheeses that are fermented (blue, brie, american, swiss etc.) Chocolate Epinephrine (anesthetic used often in dental work) Erectile dysfunction medications (Viagra, Cialis) Exercise: strenuous exercise Flour, bleached white (white bread, cake etc.) Marijuana MSG (monosodium glutamate, a food additive) Nitrates and nitrites (often added to processed meats, such as bacon, hot dogs, jerky, and luncheon meats) Nitroglycerine Odors: perfumes; gasoline; paint; solvents Pollen Sleep: irregular sleep schedules; napping Smoke Stress Sugar: high-sugar foods Weather: Barometric pressure changes Weather: High temperatures

CHF, I like the list..!! Another thought. What about breaking the list down to 3 sections. Foods, Drugs and Events? That would eventually allow someone to quickly identify scenarios they are familiar with. Like for me the drugs sprinkled through the list are irrelevant, as I don't take anything accept an occasional vitamin. On the other hand if I were prescribed something from the doc, I'd want a quick review of the drug list before putting anything in my body. Similarly if someone is getting afternoon hits, they could graze the food list easily to see if there's something they're having for lunch that might be a trigger. J

Interesting CHF....a good idea methinks...... I would add...most based on personal experience: LOW blood sugar Aspartame (artificial sweetener....vasoactive like MSG...,other A.S. do not seem same...but that's me) Nitrous oxide (dental anesthesia...never experienced personally)...but an enlightened anesthesiologist I met agreed it was a trigger for some clusterheads Gum chewing...or excessive jaw movements... Caffeine at the WRONG time (my belief that the body maintains stasis when "insulted" continuously....so best to withhold until needed for maximum effect) POST stress (e.g. home from work) Welding fumes (zinc welding fumes was an INSTANT hit for me) Routine changes (eating, sleeping, exercise, etc) I'm sure more...will think on it.... Best Jon