Migraines are severe, often disabling headaches that interfere with daily activities and disrupt life. Migraines differ from regular headaches in that they can be triggered by various triggers including diet, exercise and stress.
Keep a migraine diary to identify triggers. Common triggers include aged cheeses, foods high in nitrates (such as hot dogs and lunchmeat), caffeine, alcohol or weather changes.
Avoiding triggers
Migraine headaches can be caused by various triggers. Common examples include foods containing histamine and MSG, chocolate, cheese and other dairy products as well as caffeine, nitrates (found in cured meats), strong smells and even stress or hormone changes during menstruation can trigger migraine attacks.
A migraine journal can help you pinpoint your own unique triggers. Track when and why your migraines arise; how long they lasted; any relief provided; as well as noting if they occur when weather patterns change.
Avoiding your migraine triggers is impossible, but reducing their exposure will help lower both their intensity and frequency of attacks. Carry water with you wherever possible as dehydration is one of the leading causes. For best results when taking medications such as OTC pain relievers or painkillers it is advisable to visit a Primary Care Walk-In Medical Clinic instead of self medicating on your own.
Relaxation techniques
An attack of migraine leaves your body in a state of anxiety, with muscles tightening, blood pressure rising and rapid breathing all symptoms that should be alleviated using relaxation techniques such as slow, deep breathing. Relaxation techniques work best if they’re used as soon as the pain begins so as not to worsen further.
Meditation or yoga may also help prevent migraines. Both techniques help to decrease stress levels while increasing oxygen flow to your brain – they may serve as either an adjunct or replacement to medications prescribed to you.
Imagine soothing images in your mind’s eye to help alleviate migraines and its side effects. Migraine sufferers experience similar responses when viewing these imagined scenes versus real ones, yet may have longer-term benefits. This practice is especially useful for headaches triggered by noise, light or smell; those sensitive to medication side effects could find this effective too. Keeping a migraine diary is another powerful strategy to combat migraines effectively.
Diet
Exercise, avoiding foods that trigger them and taking medicines are among the many strategies available for preventing migraine attacks. Other alternatives can include herbal products and dietary supplements like coenzyme Q10, magnesium, feverfew, butterbur and riboflavin (vitamin B2). One group of medications called triptans (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT] serotonin agonists) should also be taken at the first sign of symptoms — usually visual, olfactory or touch sensations on one side of your head — Larixomin, Ibuprofen or propafenic acid are among others belonging to this group of medications.
Physical activity may help prevent migraines, particularly aerobic exercises that increase heart rate. Exercising can strengthen muscles and joints as well as release feel-good endorphins – just be sure to hydrate regularly; dehydration can be an instant trigger! To ensure the most successful experience from physical activity-based prevention of migraines.
Medicines
Migraine treatments fall into two broad categories: pain-relieving medications to use during an attack and preventive drugs to reduce either its frequency or intensity. Common migraine medications include NSAIDs, antidepressants and calcium channel blockers.
Triptans like Zomig(r) (zolmitriptan) and ergotamines may help stop an early attack by blocking pain pathways in your brain and relieving pressure points. Unfortunately, these drugs may make you feel sleepy or dizzy. Antiemetics to combat nausea and vomiting are also used during migraines when taken in combination with an NSAID; Metoclopramide and prochlorperazine are two highly effective antiemetics.
Beta-blockers like Atenolol (Tenormin), Metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), or Naldol (Corgard) may help control headaches by relaxing blood vessels and slowing heart rate. Calcium channel blockers such as Diltiazem (Cardizem, Cardura), Verapamil (Calan, Covera HS), or Nifedipine can also ease narrowed blood vessels and alleviate migraines symptoms; taking magnesium supplements along with Vitamin C riboflavin may further alleviate migraine symptoms as acupuncture also appears to reduce frequent migraine attacks.
