Any advice on migraine headaches?

Question

I get severe migraine headaches, but no certain pattern or day. I have tried several different medicines, finally found one that works. But is there certain foods or drinks that cause these? Everyone says stress, but I don't have that much stress! Please help, I have two children under the age of 4 and they get affected from it too when I have to lie down and they have to be quiet.

Answer 1

You know, I used to get them a lot when I worked and honestly haven't gotten them in years. But Excederin pain reliever worked wonders for me, almost always made it go away. But I just found this at webmd.com on what might trigger migraines:

What causes migraine?
While the exact cause of migraine is not known, most experts agree that migraine pain is caused by swollen blood vessels around the brain and certain nerves in the brain.

However, certain "triggers" may bring on an attack. The most common are:

Fatigue - from too much physical activity, lack of sleep, or too much sleep

Stress - periods during or after stressful situations

Some foods and beverages - particularly foods containing nitrites or monosodium glutamate (MSG); foods and beverages containing aspartame, an artificial sweetener; chocolate; aged cheeses; and alcoholic drinks

Caffeine withdrawal - caused by dramatically cutting back or stopping your caffeine intake altogether. Common foods containing caffeine are coffee, tea, and some soft drinks.

Menstruation - relating to changes in hormone levels at the time of a woman's period

Weather changes

Answer 2

I get migraines a lot too..
my doctor says stress is the main cause of migraines. They are felt only in the aftermath of a stressful situation coz during the period of stress with all the adrenaline pumping you won't feel the pain...
but the again if you are stress-free you should see a doctor and identify the root cause...
I read that diaphragm breathing and drinking hot milk helps...

Answer 3

I get them too! The best thing I have found by far is Imitrex. It is by prescription only and for me, works very well. Non prescription things that helped me are: Vanquish or Orudis. If you are stuffy or congested along with the above I take a sinus medication, nasal spray and menthol under the nose and around the effected area. Keeping off your feet,darkened quiet room, helps too. As does a shower and not doing a lot of reading, writing, arithmetic. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

One thing I notice is I seem to get them when I am in the heat for awhile or let myself get dehydrated. I take imitrex for mine and its works pretty good. Are you on birth control by any chance? Ever since I have gotten off I have them maybe once a month. I have recently learned that estrogen can cause them. I can give you a lot of advice but too much to type on here. If you have any specific questions e-mail me.

Answer 5

ask your doctor about Topamax ,it works well for migrain prevention there are several similar meds some have other efects and efect varies from person to person ,but your doc can help find the right med to prevent migrains as well as to perscribe a med that works well to get rid of them

Answer 6

Chocolate and caffeine will bring them on. Dim the lights and take an ibuprofen or something as soon as you feel one coming on...drink lots of water! Good luck!