Migraine Headaches
Prevention
You may be able to reduce frequent migraines by avoiding triggers, such as certain foods, stress, and changes in your daily routine, although it is not clear how or why these events lead to migraines. Some common triggers of migraines include:
- Consuming certain substances such as chocolate, monosodium glutamate (MSG), red wine, and caffeine.
- Getting too much or not enough sleep.
- Fasting or skipping meals.
- Changes in the weather or barometric pressure.
- Stress or intense emotions.
- Strong odors or cigarette smoke.
- Bright lights or reflected sunlight.
For more information, see:
Your doctor may also prescribe drugs to help prevent migraine headaches.
| Author: | Monica Rhodes | Last Updated: July 3, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Colin Chalk, MD, CM, FRCPC - Neurology | |
One thing I have found to be very effective is that, as soon as the auras be come apparent, I go to a cool, dark place with some ambient noise (in my case, the server room and I turn off the lights). I then spend about a half hour to 45 minutes practicing conscious relaxation and meditation. Nine times out of ten I can ward off an attack this way, and the rest of the day is fine.
I've also found that, in my case, they occur more frequently on days with high heat and humidity. Once I moved north from the Washington, DC area I noticed a marked drop in attacks. Granted, this is all anecdotal evidence and can not be considered definitive in any way, but it's something to consider.
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