There are various strategies you can employ to combat migraine headaches, including regular exercise and eating healthily as well as avoiding potential triggers. Furthermore, trying reducing stress by learning relaxation techniques may also prove effective.
As another way to combat migraines, medication designed specifically to do so – such as Aimovig (Erenumab), Fremanezumab and Galcanezumab are available through valid prescription.
Avoiding triggers
Locating and eliminating triggers of migraine headaches is key to managing them effectively. Triggers are stimuli that trigger certain areas of your brain and lead to headache-like symptoms; such as foods, beverages or substances (like aged cheeses, chocolate and red wines); weather changes that cause changes in barometric pressure; stress levels; abrasive smells; certain lighting styles which trigger migraines; exercising; as well as taking supplements like riboflavin (vitamin B2) magnesium feverfew butterbur and co-enzyme Q10.
Finding your triggers may take time. A headache diary may help identify patterns in your attacks and what may trigger them; for instance, many migraine sufferers experience attacks at weekends as a result of caffeine withdrawal, possibly because they consume fewer cups of tea and coffee at home than previously. Headaches are also common after stressful work weeks or physical exertion.
Getting plenty of sleep
Staying well rested can help protect against migraine headaches. Aim to set a consistent bedtime and wakeup time. Caffeine can often trigger migraine attacks in many individuals; also be wary about taking pain-relief medicine too frequently as this could result in what’s known as medication-overuse headache.
Migraines and sleep are both controlled by similar parts of the brain, so getting quality restful restful is one of the best ways to prevent an attack. Some experts advise using blackout curtains to create a dark sleeping environment.
Stress can be a trigger, so try relaxing through yoga or deep breathing exercises. Exercise, which has been shown to decrease both stress and blood pressure levels, and migraine attacks; find one you enjoy that makes you feel great. Since bright lights may aggravate migraine attacks further, consider wearing sunglasses when outdoors.
Keeping a headache diary
Maintaining a headache diary (also referred to as migraine journal or pain tracker) can be an invaluable aid for identifying triggers and improving treatment. Writing in physical notebook or using smartphone app, the information can help both you and your physician craft personalized treatment plans that best address your individual needs.
Diaries allow you to keep an accurate record of each headache that arises, including its date, time and location as well as its intensity and any related symptoms such as photophobia/phonophobia, nausea or vomiting.
As it’s essential to effectively managing headaches, keeping track of their frequency and how often you take medication is key to staying pain-free. Too much ibuprofen or paracetamol may lead to medication overuse headaches; similarly, noting whether they appear with certain periods, allergies or weather changes or changes in medications will allow your provider to tailor your preventive medication as necessary.
Talking to your doctor
If you suffer from frequent migraine attacks, consult with your physician regarding a management plan. This plan could involve lifestyle modifications and preventive medicines.
Provide your doctor with information about all medications you are taking, including any herbal remedies or vitamins, and be sure to mention any health problems, especially vascular disease or stroke.
Keep a diary of your migraine symptoms, triggers, and treatments. This information can help your physician establish whether there is a pattern. Furthermore, keeping track can assist them in finding preventive strategies tailored specifically to you.
Avoid migraine headaches by getting plenty of rest, eating healthy meals on time and staying hydrated, exercising regularly and practicing relaxation techniques such as yoga. In addition, sleeping tablets, the contraceptive pill and hormone replacement therapy may cause migraines; for this reason it is wise to consult your GP prior to taking such drugs since these may cause side effects which require medical advice before use.
