Migraine Prevention Strategies

Migraine is something that many of us suffer from. These headaches may lead to regular throbbing that varies in intensity (from moderate to severe. You may also witness symptoms such as vomiting or nausea in this case while being highly sensitive towards sound and light. Sometimes, the pain may be really acute and you should consult neurology specialists for treatment in these cases. Migraines may last for a few hours and extend up to a few days altogether. As per the American Migraine Foundation, there are 4 million+ individuals who suffer from chronic migraine. The issue majorly affects women more than men and many people get their first headaches between 10-40 years of age. Let us look at a few prevention strategies in this article.  

What Triggers Migraine?  

What is a trigger for migraine? As many neurology specialists will tell you, the major triggers include the following:  

Changes in your sleeping patterns and schedule.Excessive fatigue.  Alcohol, aged cheese, additives like nitrates and MSG (monosodium glutamate). Caffeine consumption or withdrawal may also lead to migraine along with fasting or skipping meals.  Migraine may sometimes be caused by hormonal changes, particularly during menstruation.  Bright and glaring lights and loud sounds may lead to migraine, along with powerful smells.  Anxiety and stress are also triggers for migraine, along with changes in temperature, altitude, and weather conditions.  

Now that you have an idea of the possible triggers for migraine, here are tips on how to keep them at bay.  

How to Keep Migraine Away 

While preventing migraine headaches is not fully possible, you can still take a few measures to reduce their frequency. You should first endeavor to understand your own triggers for headaches by maintaining a journal that details the dates and timelines of headaches. Here are some other tips that you can consider following:  

Walk, run, jog, or cycle regularly to lower the risks of migraine.  Maintain your sleeping and eating schedules without fluctuations.  Combat stress through meditation, relaxation techniques, and therapy.  Women who get these headaches during their periods should consult their doctors for preventive medication options.  Do not get dehydrated, particularly in the summer season.  Avoid high-caffeine beverages and sip water or beverages with electrolytes in the summer.  Do not expose yourself to excessive sunlight in the summer season, since it may trigger migraine headaches. Wear hats and use umbrellas at the beach.  Be alert about your sensitivity levels to certain smells and fragrances.  Wear sunglasses to combat the effects of direct sunlight. You can consider polarized lenses since they reduce glare and create a darkening effect. You can also think about choosing optical grade lenses. Choose your glasses and sunglasses carefully in order to maintain proper eye health and avoid migraine triggers.  

Signing off, it can be said that combating migraine requires a little effort and persistence on your part. You should maintain your daily schedule without any deviations while avoiding the consumption of foods that trigger migraine headaches. You should also keep your medication carefully since storage temperatures are important. Exposure to high temperatures may lower the effectiveness of your medicines. Keep them in your carry-on bag instead of stowing it away in the luggage while traveling. They should also be stored in a dark and cool place at home.  

You should also exercise outdoors with caution. Work out indoors during the summer to avoid suffering from migraine. These steps will help you reduce the chances of frequent headaches that otherwise leave you drained and hinder your daily productivity.