How to Live With Migraines

Migraines are more common in women than in men. They usually disappear after age 50. Lifestyle changes and drug therapy can make living with migraines more bearable.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Alarm Clocks
• Diuretics
• Magnesium Supplement
• Notebooks
• Notebooks

1. Keep a record of what you're doing when you get a migraine so that you can identify triggers.

2. See your doctor about migraine medication such as methysergide, or ask about taking aspirin or prescription codeine at the first hint of a headache.

3. Avoid allergens. For some people, sweets (especially chocolate), milk, aged cheese, processed foods or red wine can set off a migraine.

4. Keep hormone levels in check with regular exercise. Hormonally active women are at greater risk for developing migraines. If your migraines seem to occur around the time of your periods, take a diuretic (to prevent water retention) each day for the three days before you expect to start menstruating.

5. Relax. There is some evidence that overworked perfectionists are more prone to get migraines.

6. Breathe deeply. High doses of oxygen can ease migraines.

7. Wake up at the same time each day and get plenty of rest. Disrupting your natural sleep patterns encourages migraines.

8. Try taking magnesium. Taking supplements can help women who are magnesium-deficient control migraines.

9. Try switching from birth control pills to another form of birth control. Oral contraceptives have been known to increase the frequency and severity of migraines.

Tips & Warnings

• Diuretics cause you to lose potassium. Eat foods high in potassium while you are taking diuretics. Salmon, tuna, bananas, dried apricots and boiled potatoes (skin-on) all have high levels of potassium.
• Anyone suffering from migraines should be under the care of a physician.
• Never take more than 8 aspirin in 24 hours.
• If symptoms persist or if you have specific medical conditions or concerns, contact a physician. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

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[mostjam3]

on 9/26/2008 i have tried immitrex both shot and nasal, cephadyn, maxalt, dhe-45 injections, topamax, depakote, elavil, flexeril, zannaflex,... pretty much just about everything out there ... im currently on staidol nasal spray for when they are just totally unbareable . maybe one day there will be some miracle drug for these unbareable , migraines.

on 9/6/2006 When I was diagnosed with migraines, my neurologist put me on Immitrex for when the symptoms of a migraine first show. I am also on atenolol and topamax daily to help reduce the frequency of my migraines and/or sever headaches.

on 11/22/2005 When I have tried everything else and nothing seems to be working, I have a gel filled pillow that I keep in the freezer that I put under my neck. I lay down and try to sleep. Most times that will prevent the emergency room visit, which can be so costly.

on 11/22/2005 I take combo of medications to prevent headaches: an anti seizure and and anti hypertensive. I don't have seizures or high blood pressure, but they do help.

on 11/22/2005 When my migraines are really bad, instead of going to the emergency room, my doctor prescribed the Ketorolac injections for me to give myself at home. It doesn't have the anti-nausea properties that they would give you in the hospital, but once the headache is gone, for me the nausea subsides (if it was ever there in the first place). Ketorolac is not addictive.