Medication may help relieve migraine symptoms, but it is wise to consult your healthcare provider prior to taking over-the-counter pain relievers more than twice or three times every week.
Sleep and cold compresses can both help prevent migraine episodes. Drinking plenty of water may also help avoid dehydration – which is a frequent migraine trigger.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
OTC pain relievers can provide quick and effective migraine relief. Most OTC medication used for treating headaches contain either acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen sodium; and caffeine is often included as well. Be sure to read and adhere to all label instructions; for instance allowing children under age 16 years old take any aspirin-containing products can lead to Reye’s syndrome and should never be given as medicine without adult supervision.
if OTC medications fail to help, speak to a physician about prescription options. They could suggest stronger medicines or others that might work better for you.
Some doctors also provide migraine treatments that combine painkillers and an anti-sickness medicine – known as triptans – such as sumatriptan, naratriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan and rizatriptan. Triptans may be administered via tablets, nasal sprays, suppositories or injection solutions.
Identifying Triggers
Migraines can be caused by virtually anything, from lights, sounds, smells and physical activity to stressors such as temperature changes and hormonal shifts. A headache diary may help pinpoint these triggers. To be on the safe side and to identify your migraine triggers quickly and effectively.
Some individuals experience migraine attacks when eating certain foods such as cheese or chocolate, but research indicates that food cravings could actually be precursors of an impending migraine attack rather than true triggers.
To stay ahead of food triggers, set an established sleep and mealtime pattern each day and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Relaxation techniques such as biofeedback may help alleviate migraine symptoms; consult with a doctor about this and other lifestyle modifications that could reduce migraine episodes.
Getting Plenty of Sleep
One of the best ways to alleviate migraine pain is through adequate rest. Sleep will prevent a decrease in pain threshold and improve response to medications and treatments for migraine. Aim for eight hours each night if possible and follow a regular eating and bedtime schedule.
An effective sleep routine entails taking a warm bath, sipping non-caffeinated tea and resting comfortably on an uncluttered bedroom featuring comfortable mattress and soft sheets – as well as creating an ideal cool, dark environment – Alex Dimitriu of Migraine World Summit noted, getting enough quality rest will allow your neurotransmitters to reset, helping resensitize to your own signals when migraine attacks strike and keep a regular schedule since brains don’t like change.
Avoiding Foods That Trigger Migraines
Migraine triggers vary between individuals, so eliminating foods may not be an effective preventive measure. However, avoiding certain food items that have been known to trigger migraine attacks can often help, including peanut butter, citrus fruits, caffeine and aged cheeses (particularly Parmesan) or cured meats such as hot dogs, sausage or pepperoni that contain nitrates used as preservatives – including peanut butter and aged cheese (such as Parmesan) with preservatives made of nitrates used as preservatives.
Keep a headache diary and attempt to identify triggers by tracking symptoms after eating. Be wary when considering trying an elimination diet as this could leave out essential vitamins. A registered dietitian can assist with creating an appropriate migraine-friendly diet tailored specifically to you and your symptoms; in addition, supplements with magnesium, coenzyme Q10 or B vitamins could be especially useful.
Exercise
Studies show that exercise, even moderate aerobic exercises, can decrease both frequency and severity of migraine attacks. Many who suffer from migraines fear exercise will trigger an attack; however, studies demonstrate otherwise. Studies indicate that even moderate aerobic exercises have the power to lower both their frequency and intensity levels of migraine attacks.
Physical activity can also help relieve stress, which is often an acute source of distress. Furthermore, exercise releases endorphins – your body’s natural painkillers.
If you are new to exercising, it is essential that you start off slowly and set realistic goals. Hydration before and after exercise is also key; sweat and breathing out water both deplete body fluids rapidly; be sure to drink plenty of water as well as isotonic drinks with similar electrolyte content as your workout will help ensure proper hydration and avoid dehydration, another common migraine trigger.
