Tips To Prevent Migraine
Published on Jun 18, 2015 and last reviewed on Dec 23, 2022 - 1 min read
Abstract
This article discusses some tips that can be followed to prevent migraine.
Migraine is a controllable disease and not a curable one, but definitely preventable. The intensity of this headache is very varying even in the same patient. Medicines are available for aborting the acute attack and also for the reduction of frequency and intensity of attack.
But as far as some preventive measures are not taken repeated attacks are usual and requirement of more medicines or longer duration of medications will be required.
Preventive Steps:
- Always have a good night's sleep. At least 7 hours at a stretch in the night. If you are having problem with sleep consult your doctor but make sure you get that sound sleep .
- Never starve, especially your morning breakfast. Empty stomach is a strong trigger for migraine attack. Always keep a small snack with you if you expect your next meal to get delayed or skipped.
- Try to find out some migraine triggering foods like chocolates, sour items, lemon, tamarind, vinegar, wine, sweets, etc. This varies from person to person. There are patients getting an attack on having cold water, chilled beer, ice creams, etc. And if you can find this association, avoid those food items.
- Try to find out some migraine triggering smell. Some examples are smell of perfume, deodorant, sandal wood or sandal oil smell, smell of incense sticks, flowers like rose, jasmine, etc. If you can associate any of these smells with your attack, then avoid them.
- Late night watching: Avoid watching late night television shows or movies in theatres.
- Menses is also one of the triggers for migraine.
Though not advisable, but if it is very important for you not to have an attack, you can try postponing with medications after consulting your doctor.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1.
How can migraines be prevented naturally?
Some simple ways to prevent migraine attacks are:
- Avoid eating foods that trigger a migraine such as chocolate, cheese,
- alcohol, dairy products, processed foods, and cold items.
- Do not skip meals.
- Avoid smoking.
- Maintain a normal sleep pattern.
- Manage stress.
2.
What are the foods that prevent migraines?
The food items that do not trigger migraines are:
- Vegetables like sweet potatoes, spinach, and carrots.
- Brown rice.
- Fruits.
- Natural sweeteners like maple syrup.
3.
Are coffee and other caffeinated beverages good for migraines?
Most people feel better after drinking a strong cup of coffee when they have a headache. This is because of caffeine present in the coffee. But people who get migraines should stay clear of coffee or other caffeinated beverages. This is because consuming two to three cups of coffee every day might develop a dependency, which increases the frequency of migraine attacks.
4.
What can I use to get rid of a migraine?
Apart from taking your medicines, you can try the following ways to get rid of a migraine:
- Apply a cold pack or hot compress.
- Try massaging your head and neck.
- Avoid sitting in rooms that are brightly lit.
- Stretch and perform yoga and meditation.
5.
What needs to done and avoided for migraine patients?
Don’ts:
- Skip meals.
- Exercise a lot and tire yourself.
- Go out in the hot climate.
- Spend too much time looking at digital screens.
- Grind your teeth together.
- Drink too much alcohol.
- Smoke.
Do’s:
- Stick to a sleep routine.
- Limit the intake of coffee.
- Keep yourself hydrated.
- Keep a treatment plan ready for pain during periods or menopause.
- Manage stress.
- Keep your surroundings clean to prevent bad odor.
6.
How can I prevent a migraine attack?
By identifying and avoiding the following triggers, you can decrease the frequency of migraine attacks:
- Bright light.
- Loud noise.
- Food like wine, chocolate, and cheese.
- Changes in sleep patterns.
- Stress.
- Too much physical activity.
- Hormonal changes.
7.
How does a migraine feel like?
A migraine usually causes severe pulsating or throbbing kind of pain on one side of the head (unilateral headache). Symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound are usually accompanied by a migraine attack.
8.
How long does a migraine attack last?
A typical migraine attack can last from anywhere between 4 and 72 hours. If you have a severe headache even after 3 days, consult a doctor immediately.
9.
Why causes a migraine?
The exact cause and mechanism of migraine are still not known, but it is believed to be caused by abnormal brain activity. This change in brain activity affects the blood vessels and the way nerves communicate in the brain.
10.
How are migraines diagnosed?
Migraine is usually diagnosed based on the symptoms and after all other possible causes are ruled out with the help of an MRI or CT scan.
Last reviewed at:
23 Dec 2022 - 1 min read
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