Can exercise trigger migraines?

Yes, exercise can trigger migraines. Elena Gross, discussing on Migraine Relief, Ketosis & Insulin Resistance, highlighted that exercise is a potent migraine trigger due to its ability to increase oxidative stress and deplete energy levels that are essential for the brain. This can cause migraines, especially during high-intensity workouts, but also with lower-intensity activities. Gross emphasized the importance of metabolic therapy to manage such triggers effectively 1.

Additionally, Peter Attia discussed on Concussions and Head Trauma that disruptions in the vestibular system, which interprets motion, can also lead to migraines. Exercise might exacerbate this by triggering aberrant signals in the vestibular system and initiating a sympathetic nervous system response, leading to headaches and migraines 2.