How to Avoid Getting Migraines

The cause of migraine headaches is not completely understood. Migraines result from of an alteration in the blood flow to the brain. Lifestyle changes and drug therapy can help reduce the severity and frequency of migraines.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sunglasses
• Alarm Clocks
• Notebooks
• Notebooks

1. Exercise aerobically at least four times a week, 20 to 30 minutes each time. Women, especially hormonally active women, are more at risk for developing migraines. Regular brisk exercise keeps hormone levels in better balance.

2. Analyze your personality. There is some evidence that hard-driving perfectionist types are more prone to get migraines. Relax.

3. Breathe deeply. High doses of oxygen have proven effective in treating cluster headaches and migraines. Deep breathing also helps you relax.

4. Avoid allergens. For some people, concentrated sweets (especially chocolate), milk, aged cheese, processed foods or red wine can set off migraines.

5. Avoid sudden, bright flashes of light, which triggers migraines in some.

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

7. See your doctor. If the steps outlined above do not keep you from getting migraines, ask your doctor for a migraine medication such as methysergide.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep an accurate record of what you're doing each time you get a migraine. The more information you have about your environmental variables, the more effectively you can identify and avoid the factors that tend to cause your migraines.
• Women: 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.
• Migraines can be a symptom of an underlying disease. If you suffer from migraines, you should be under the care of a physician.

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[aniereny]

on 4/24/2007 I get migraine attacks due to lack of sleep and improper food intake. If i eat and sleep on time, plus avoid direct sunlight in the noon times.

[blogxero]

on 12/28/2006 I suffered from regular migraines for some time, nothing seemed to help - as an avid bodybuilder w/good dietary and excercise habits I could rule those out right away.. after some research online I tried a daily inclusion (more if already taking - any if not) of a good B complex, Omega3, and L-Tyrosine. First time I used the combination while having a migraine and I had relief quickly, and I haven't had a migariane since. As a result, I buy the theory that migraines are a result of low serotonin levels... but I am just a guy, not a Dr. ... consult your own or give it a whirl. It helped me instantly, so I bet it would work for others.

on 9/20/2006 I've never consulted a doctor with regard to my migraine. I just observed my daily activities and my diet. When I started playing more basketball and avoided those sweets (chocolates and soda) my headaches stopped!

on 6/30/2006 Whatever you may have heard, migraines are not just severe headaches. Therefore, if you experience migraines (an expanding of the blood vessels in the brain) caffeine often helps. Normal pain killers, such as Tylenol and aspirin (which are meant for headaches, a constriction of the blood vessels) will actually worsen the symptoms.

on 2/20/2006 I was treated for years by a neurologist for migraines. All that time I drank diet pop with Nutra Sweet. When I discontinued drinking Nutra Sweet my headaches stopped immediately and I no longer get them.