Migraine Prevention

Migraine is a genetic neurological disease that affects 36 million Americans. Migraine is typically characterized by severe, recurring head pain, usually located on one side of the head and one or more of the following associated symptoms: nausea; vomiting; and increased sensitivity to light, sound and smell. Other associated symptoms may include lightheadedness, diarrhea and scalp tenderness.

There is no cure for migraines, but there are measures a person can take to help reduce the frequency, severity, or length of a migraine. Preventive measures include preventative medications if advised by your doctor, lifestyle changes, and recognizing one’s own triggers.

Lifestyle changes include avoiding any known triggers (food, scents, environments), muscle relaxation exercises, activities that are enjoyable and relaxing (music, gardening, baths), regular aerobic exercise (warm up slowly because sudden intense activity can cause headaches), quit smoking, get enough sleep (but not too much sleep), and reduce the effects of estrogen medications if a woman.

Some migraine sufferers may find relief with non-traditional therapies, such as acupuncture, biofeedback, herbs feverfew and butterbur (not advisable if pregnant), high doses of vitamin B-2, and magnesium sulfate supplements. Ask your doctor if these options are right for you.

Source: The National Migraine Association

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Finally! Be free from smoking » Migraine Prevention | 29 July 2008, 11:34
[...] tepc wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerpt… gardening, baths), regular aerobic exercise (warm up slowly because sudden intense activity can cause headaches), quit smoking, get enough sleep (but not too much sleep), and reduce the effects of estrogen medications if a woman. … [...]