Useful Tips To Prevent A Migraine Headache… and Possible Treatment Options
Anyone who suffers from migraines will tell you that preventing them is their top goal. Migraines are characterized by severe pain on one side of the head and they often have the ability to virtually incapacitate those they strike. Although some migraines have identifiable triggers, doctors do not know exactly how they are caused. So avoiding triggers is one way to cut down on migraine frequency. There are also medications available that will prevent some migraines.
Statistics indicate that 1 in 10 people suffer from migraines in North America. That gives us an idea of how common the affliction is. Typically, migraines are pulsating headaches that occur on one side of the head. They are recurrent and can be extremely disabling. Many people experience migraines several times in a month which leaves them feeling both frustrated and helpless.
Most migraines are a result of lifestyle choices. Alterations to one’s daily routine can make a world of difference in reducing the triggers that cause migraines.
Can I Prevent A Migraine?
Often, migraines can be avoided, or their frequency reduced, by adopting certain lifestyle changes. If you already know what triggers your migraines, you are half way there. If possible, simply avoid those triggers to stop experiencing the migraines. However, not everyone is aware of what exactly causes their migraines. Migraine triggers are almost as varied as the people that suffer from them, but some are common among many migraines sufferers. There are many things you can do to avoid frequent episodes of migraine. Here are some common migraine triggers to avoid:
- Avoiding the 3 Cs: Chocolate, Cheese and Caffeine are known to trigger headaches. Eliminating these foods or even reducing them considerably can help to treat migraines. If you are prone to migraines you must also stay away from aged and preserved foods. This includes leftover food that has been in the fridge for over a day. Sometimes sour goods like certain fruits and lemon can trigger headaches. Deep a diary and note down foods that seem to be bringing on the headache. There are other consumables that can be the culprit. Foods with high levels of preservatives or sour foods like citrus can trigger migraines in many people. Experiment until you find which is causing your migraines. A food diary will help in narrowing this down.
- Avoid Alcohol: A key reason for migraine is dehydration. Alcohol dehydrates the body leading to a headache, commonly referred to as a “hangover”. Cut down on alcohol consumption to test its effect on you. Be mindful of whether you get migraines after drinking alcohol.
- Keep Away From Bright Lights And Loud Noises: Recurrent noise and bright lights are known to cause headaches. Once you see a headache coming, make sure you move away from places which are noisy or are too brightly lit.
- Watch The Weather: Humidity and heat can bring on headaches. Avoid stepping out in the sun during peak summer hours as they are certain to trigger a headache. Keep an eye on the weather forecasts and avoid going out during the hottest (sunniest) part of the day. You may find that the weather is what is affecting you.
- Migraine Herbs And Medicines: Certain vitamins taken along with herbs have been known to considerably reduce instances of migraine.
Women tend to suffer from migraines more than men, one of the reasons being that most of these headaches are related to the menstrual cycle. Understanding the cause of the trigger can reduce and even eliminate migraines altogether.
Preventative Medicines
With preventative migraine medications you can decrease the frequency, duration and severity of your migraines. Preventative medicines are especially helpful for people that suffer frequent migraines. Migraines that occur at least once a week.
- Beta-blockers – These medications are used for heart disease and high blood pressure treatment. The increased blood flow they encourage may be the key to their effectiveness in migraine prevention.
- Antidepressants – Antidepressants affect serotonin levels in the brain. This brain chemical could play a part in migraine prevention.
- Anti-epilectics – Drugs that prevent seizures can also prevent migraines. These drugs work my calming the brain’s neurons, which may play a part in triggering migraines.
- Botox – Widely used for cosmetic purposes, Botox is also approved by the FDA as a preventative treatment for chronic migraines sufferers.
The National Headache Institute has expertise in dealing with all kinds of headaches. With our advanced diagnostics, expert team of doctors and top notch service, we have established ourselves as one of the premium clinics in the field. You can be assured of the best counseling and treatments that will enable you to get rid of your migraine headaches for good.
Call us at 305.440.5969 or use our contact form to book a consultation.
