s include:
- alcohol (particularly red wines)
- dairy products, like milk and yogurt
- artificial sweeteners like aspartame
- aged cheeses
- caffeine withdrawal
- flavor enhancers like monosodium glutamate (MSG)
- other food additives
Other events or situations that could trigger a migraine
- warm weather
- bright lights, including sunlight
- loud sounds
- change in weather patterns
- intense physical exertion
- lack of sleep
- smoking and tobacco
- strong odors, such as perfume, paint thinner, or
- birth control pills and hormone replacement
According to a 2008 Brazilian
study, fasting (not eating for long periods of time) was the most commonly
reported migraine trigger. Alcohol, chocolate, and caffeine were the most
common dietary substances associated with a migraine attack. Red wine was a
frequent trigger among women.
Avoiding these triggers can be the key to preventing your
migraines and improving your overall quality of life.
Preventing Migraines with Lifestyle Changes
In addition to avoiding triggers, lifestyle changes are also
important for preventing a migraine. You can do the following to help prevent a
- exercise regularly
- maintain a healthy weight
- reduce your stress levels
- use muscle relaxation techniques like meditation
- get an adequate amount of sleep each night
- sleep and eat meals on a regular schedule
- drink plenty of water
What Medications are Available for Treating Migraines?
Some people continue to suffer from frequent migraines even
after making serious attempts to identify or avoid triggers. You should talk to
your doctor about taking migraine or pain medications if this is the case.
Some medications are available over the counter. Others
require a prescription. The choice of medication depends on several factors.
These may include having a co-existing medical condition, the frequency of your
migraines, and side effects of the medications.
There are medications that are taken regularly in order to
prevent migraines. These include:
- anticonvulsants (anti-seizure drugs), such as
valproate sodium (Depacon), topiramate (Topamax), or gabapentin
- tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline
- antihistamines, such as cyproheptadine
- beta-blockers, such as propranolol (Inderal) and
timolol (Betimol), among others
- anti-inflammatory drugs, such as naproxen
- Botulinum toxin A (Botox) is a toxin secreted by
a bacterium that has been used for years to treat muscle contracting disorders
and is commonly known for its ability to treat wrinkles. Botox was approved in
the United States to prevent migraines in 2010. To treat migraines, Botox is
injected into muscles of the forehead and neck and usually only needs to be
repeated every three months.
There are also medications available to treat an attack that
has already started:
- Pain-relieving medications such as analgesics
and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These include ibuprofen
(Motrin) or drugs marketed specifically for migraines such as Excedrin Migraine.
- Triptans, including sumatriptan (Imitrex) and
- Ergots, including ergotamine and caffeine
combination drugs such as Cafergot.
- Anti-nausea medications, which are usually
combined with other medications.
What Alternative Therapies Are Available for Treating Migraines?
Nontraditional or alternative treatments may be helpful for
people who suffer from chronic migraines. They are aimed at relieving migraine
pain. Alternative therapies include the following:
- acupuncture: a therapist skilled in acupuncture
inserts thin needles into certain defined points in your skin
- biofeedback techniques: a relaxation technique
that helps you learn to control physical responses related to stress and muscle
tension and pain; once you learn the techniques, they can be practiced anywhere
- herbal products, including butterbur and
feverfew, have been shown (with mixed results) to prevent or reduce the
severity of migraines
- vitamins such as riboflavin (vitamin B2),
magnesium, and coenzyme Q10
Talk to your doctor before attempting to use an herbal or
vitamin supplement for your migraines. Don