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.

Migraines: Identifying and avoiding triggers

The best way to manage migraine headaches is to avoid them. By identifying and avoiding migraine triggers, you can help reduce the frequency and severity of attacks. While some triggers may be out of your control, others are easily avoidable. The following points can help you prevent a migraine:

Identify your migraine triggers in a headache diary.
Get regular sleep and activity.
Eat regularly, and do not eat foods that are likely to trigger a migraine.
Manage stress.
Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke.

Migraine Headaches - Home Treatment

There are many steps you can take at home to reduce the frequency of migraine attacks and treat the symptoms, such as reducing stress, taking prescription drugs, and identifying and avoiding migraine triggers.

• Find healthy ways to deal with stress. Migraine headaches seem to be more common during stressful times or right after you have "let down" after a stressful time.
• Practice relaxation techniques to reduce muscle tension and stress.
• Take preventive drugs as prescribed by your doctor.
• To help identify triggers of your headaches and determine if your headaches are becoming more severe or more frequent, keep a headache diary
• Seek help if you think that your migraines may be linked to depression or anxiety. Proper treatment of these conditions may reduce the frequency of your migraines.
• Often children's headaches are related to stress about school, such as tests, athletic or social events, or peer pressure. They may also be related to lack of sleep. If your child has headaches, follow the treatment your doctor recommends. If your child has trouble managing his or her headaches with home treatment and your doctor's advice, keep a diary of the headaches and talk with your doctor.

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