Migraines triggered by smell

- Greetings - thank you for sharing some of your migraine journey with us. Sounds like you've had quite a time with migraine and that the condition is evolving as it can do, with time. Smells are a common trigger and we do have a number of resources on this topic with many community members sharing their experiences on this front. I'll try to link you to those resources here: https://migraine.com/search?s=smells%20trigger. If that link doesn't work, just go to our search bar (upper left) and type in "smells trigger" and you'll be able to see all we have on the topic.

Regarding the fact that triptans don't work for you, I wanted to share that there is a vast deep bench of rescue medications available. And, indeed- also a lot of preventatives these days outside of amitriptyline and propranolol. It may be time for a re-evaluation and updated treatment plan with your doctor given the way your condition is evolving. Here is a link to the current list of preventative options: https://migraine.com/migraine-treatment/preventive. And rescue options: https://migraine.com/migraine-treatment/acute-abortive.

I hope this helps to get you started. We can also send you a link to referrals if you are interested in seeing a migraine specialist. Not sure how you feel about your current doctor? Whatever the case on that front, we are here to provide information and support anytime. Glad you are with us. Warmly - Holly (team member)

Hi Holly, Thank you for replying. I have read a lot about the different drugs available these days and plan to ask my GP about them - I am making an appt for tomorrow and will ask for referral to Neurology if needs be. I’m in the UK so have to go through my GP to see a Neurologist as I can’t afford to see one privately.


Thank you for the links and information in your reply, I really appreciate it. I have only joined the website today, so hopefully in time I will get chance to interact with other members.


I will write down a few questions I have for my GP as might forget them if I don’t as feeling very overwhelmed at the moment with the migraines.

Thanks for clarifying your toradol use. I use it as well and go to urgent care for administration should I find migraine too much and vertigo way too extreme. There are a few ways to help when an injection is too painful. You can numb the area by freezing it for a bit. Also alternating the injection site helps. Speak with your physician about these ideas and see what his thoughts are on them. You may also find it a good time to discuss Botox should your treatment regimen begin to help you. Wishing you the best. Rebecca (team member)

Certain smells can send me into some of the worst migraines I’ve ever had. Perfumes, air fresheners, and food odors.