What is the best way to get rid of a headache or migraine and what causes them?

Question

I have been having headaches/migraines all my life. I am frankly tired of them!!! I know it could be a chemical in food or an actually type of food that causes the haedache. I just want them to leave me alone. Now that I have a child I can no longer lay down when my head starts to hammer. I just need some help.

Answer 1

http://www.neurologyreviews.com/feb04/nr_feb04_foramen.html

Answer 2

I completely and totally understand! I'm in the same boat.

Talk to your doctor about a preventative medication. I use one, it helps, some. Topomax and Enderol are popular ones.

I also get "trigger injections" from my doctor. It's a combination of cortizone and I think novacaine. This usually works like a charm for me and I am functioning again in about 10 minutes. I usually still have some visual disturbances, but the pain and nausea is gone and I can deal with the squigglies in my field of vision. At first the thought of 4 needles in your head is a bit daunting, but you reach the point where it's better than the migraine pain and then you discover it really isn't that bad.

I can't find a specific "trigger" for mine, as in a particular food. Some are brought on by stress, noises, lighting, etc.

Good luck!

Answer 3

There are a thousand reasons for migraines and you should definitely see a doctor.
Otherwise, try drinking string coffee (preferably Turkish) with some aspirin/pain reliever or two. If your child's not around, try having a hot shower and let hot water pour over your head. Both will help the veins in your brain dilate and let the blood through and ease the pain, at least temporarily. I heard ginger and lavender were good relievers too.
But definitely go to the doctor's.

Answer 4

Get some Execdrine Migraine! There is nothing that works as good as this, over the counter. It is the only thing that has ever been able to take away my headache 100%. Hope it works! think it is the greatest.

Answer 5

I feel sorry for you. My grandson has migraine's. He goes to a chiropractor once a month and that seems to help. Also, at the very first sign of one, he takes one baby aspirin and then drinks regular, hot tea. This really helps. He has had them since he was 6 years old, and he is 14 now, still has them but not as often since he started doing the aspirin and tea. Good luck to you. Migraine's are nasty to say the least.

Answer 6

Of course, I would see a doctor above all. In the short term, I use plain old extra stregth migraine pills. I don't have migrains, but that's the best thing for my headaches. GOOD LUCK!

Answer 7

If you find out the answer to this one, let me know! I have headaches about twice a week. A neurologist gave me some vasopressors--to shunt excessive blood flow from my carotids. Only had minimal results from that. Then he gave me a long list of foods and food additives that could possibly trigger the migraines---everything from chocolate to aspartame and msg were on it. I wasn't giving up those three for anything.
In the meantime, a Goody's headache powder and coke usually quiets them down for me.

Answer 8

Many people have actually found that they are dehydrated. So, next time you get a migraine, drink 17 oz of water (not too cold) within 10 minutes. Many have been suprized with such a simple thing. Perhaps you will too.

Answer 9

I used to get migraines all the time and learned several tricks over the years -- eating on time, eating protein, not eating sweets, are some of my biggest tips. I listed them at http://wehow.ehow.com/how_2016266_prevent-a-migraine.html
-- good luck!!!!!