Published on Jun 18, 2015 and last reviewed on Sep 16, 2023 - 1 min read
Abstract
This article discusses some tips that can be followed to prevent migraine.
Introduction
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. Prescription migraine pills can be prescribed online at a telemedicine portal or are also prescribed at an in-office doctors visit.
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.
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.
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.
The food items that do not trigger migraines are:
- Vegetables like sweet potatoes, spinach, and carrots.
- Brown rice.
- Fruits.
- Natural sweeteners like maple syrup.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
16 Sep 2023 - 1 min read
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