How can you prevent migraines?

Question

My girlfriend gets them really badly and we can't figure out why. Any ideas?

Answer 1

First off she needs to identify her triggers. Are the headaches related to stress levels ( good things bring stress too), foods (red wines, lunchmeat, cheeses, caffeine intake etc.), the weather, allergies (environmental), any neck/shoulder pain, menstrual cycle, or anything else that seems to occur just before the headache occurs. She can keep a headache log. Mark down when she has the headache and how bad it is. She can also think about what happened before the headache occurred. I have included a couple of links that she may find helpful.

For me I found that certain foods, red wine, and job related stress were some of the triggers. The doctor then did MRI's of my brain and neck area to insure I didn't have any tumors that could have caused my everyday headaches/migraines. Once assured that there was no tumors, I was started on a medication that helps to prevent the frequency and severity of my migraine.

Excerpts from the sites listed below:

What causes migraine headaches?

Migraine headaches seem to be caused in part by changes in the level of a body chemical called serotonin. Serotonin plays many roles in the body, and it can have an effect on the blood vessels. When serotonin levels are high, blood vessels constrict (shrink). When serotonin levels fall, the blood vessels dilate (swell). This swelling can cause pain or other problems.

Many things can affect the level of serotonin in your body, including your level of blood sugar, certain foods and changes in your estrogen level if you're a woman.

What things may set off a migraine?

Certain things that can set off migraines in some people include the following:

Strong or unusual odors, bright lights or loud noises
Changes in weather or altitude
Being tired, stressed or depressed or the let-down after a stressful event
Changes in sleeping patterns or sleeping time
Certain foods (see the list below), especially those that contain tyramine, sodium nitrate or phenylalanine
Missing meals or fasting
Menstrual periods, birth control pills or hormones
Intense physical activity, including sexual activity

Foods that may trigger migraines

Aged, canned, cured or processed meat, including bologna, game, ham, herring, hot dogs, pepperoni and sausage
Aged cheese
Alcoholic beverages, especially red wine
Aspartame
Avocados
Beans, including pole, broad, lima, Italian, navy, pinto and garbanzo
Brewer's yeast, including fresh yeast coffee cake, donuts and sourdough bread
Caffeine (in excess)
Canned soup or bouillon cubes
Chocolate, cocoa and carobCultured dairy products, such as buttermilk and sour cream
Figs
Lentils
Meat tenderizer
Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
Nuts and peanut butter
Onions, except small amounts for flavoring
Papaya
Passion fruit
Pea pods
Pickled, preserved or marinated foods, such as olives and pickles, and some snack foods
Raisins
Red plums
Sauerkraut
Seasoned salt
Snow peas
Soy sauce

Can I reduce how often I have migraines?

You may be able to reduce how often you have migraines by staying away from things that cause them. These are called "triggers." Common triggers include chocolate, red wine, cheese, MSG, strong odors, not eating, and poor sleep habits. It may be helpful for you to track and write down your triggers. You may be able to avoid the trigger and more migraines.

If you have migraines often, your doctor may prescribe medicine that helps prevent them.

Answer 2

There are certain foods that will trigger a migraine. Wine, aged cheeses etc you should do a search as there are more foods. Scents can also trigger a migraine. Sounds and light are also problems. I know if I walk into a store and the perfume sniper gets me I will suffer later. If they are hormone related your doctor may suggest a prophylactic medication that you take daily to prevent the headaches. For me getting rid of my first husband helped, but I wouldn't suggest such a severe remedy without knowing you. I found that after the headache hit a hot vinegar and water on a cloth to the forehead, a dark, quiet room really helped. Yes I said vinegar and water on a wash clothe. ring it out good and replace it once it gets cold. Sounds like an old wife's tale but this old wife can tell you that it is very soothing. I have taken Zomig, Maxalt 10, and other medications with good results.

Answer 3

There are a lot of reasons people get migraines; vitamin deficiency, weather changes, poor diet or diet allergies. If there aren't ant underlying medical conditions try adding Niacin; start with a low dose. It's a B vitamin that helps open up blood capillaries and release pressure. The only side effect until her body adjusts to it, is a flush that will last about 20 minutes or so. It'll actually feel like a sunburn.

I use to suffer from seasonal and pressure headaches all the time. Since I started taking 100 mg of Niacin I don't even get tension headaches. It's worth a try.

Good luck

Answer 4

First she should see a Dr. because migraines can be caused by something more serious. Second try caffine, or Exedrine Migraine. Migraines can be brought on by anything, allergies, lack of caffine, stress,and anxiety.

Good luck in finding something that helps. Personally I went to the Dr. I take pills to prevent them but when I get them I drink a 2ltr. Dr. Pepper take 2 Excedrine. if that don't work I end up in ER. LOL

Answer 5

There are certain foods that trigger an attack. I don't know them off the top of my head but do a search. I know tyramine like in wine, aged cheese, and others. She should see a doctor if she has them often as there are medications she could take daily as a preventive. A dark, quiet room and a cloth soaked in vinegar and hot water and wrung out and placed on the forehead can be quite soothing. Replace the cloth when it is cool. I don't know what there is about vinegar(white) but it really helps a headache.Search migraine headache foods that trigger

Answer 6

She needs to see her doctor. There are medications that she can be placed on regularly to help prevent these attacks. Also, they can give her medications to instantly relieve her migraine when she experiences an attack.

Best of wishes to your friend.

Answer 7

Healthy lifestyle. 30 Minutes physical activity a day. Balanced diet, and 7:30-9 hours sleep a night. Simple as that

Answer 8

They have preventative pills and shots now and shots at the emergency room for instant relief. Many are a form of stress induced depression. Have her see a doctor and get the pills or shots to stop them and then help her with stressors in her life right now.

Answer 9

Stress and you can help stop them with anti stress exerices.

also they could be sinus headache because many people get sinus head aces and confuse them with migranies. My sinus headace or so bad that nothing works and they can last for days, my migranies go way sooner

Answer 10

She should see a doctor to rule out any serious illness. If she checks out ok, you may want to try herbal supplements. They are safe and work really well.