How do you prevent/deal with migraines?
364978
Migraines are often due to or aggravated by nutritional deficiencies, so if you want to avoid them in the longterm, it's a good idea to support your whole system with the relevant nutrients. Calcium magnesium (with vitamin D) and EFA's (essential fatty acids, from fish oil, flax, etc.) usually make a big difference, though it might take a while for them to do so. \n\nThere's a Reckeweg homeopathic remedy (I don't remember which number it is -- the Dr. Reckeweg remedies are referred to by number, e.g. R28, R87 etc. -- but they could tell you at a health food store which one it is) that is very good for migraines in both the longterm and the shortterm: it should start working right away when you feel one coming on, but will likely also lessen the frequency & severity of migraine attacks in the future.\n\nThe other thing that supposedly works *really* well is (homeopathic?) lithium by BioLogic. A friend of mine who has worked in the alternative medicine industry for 20-odd years says that taken at the first sign of migraine, it can make it go away within five minutes. \n\nSo there are definitely things that can help. I'm not super-specific here, but this gives you some ideas of things to look into, at least.\n\nGood luck!
283259
As soon as you get even the slightest hint that you are going to get a migraine, take a dose of aspirin. When I do that, I don't get the full-blown migraine (or the accompanying pain). However, I can still tell that I'd have one if I hadn't taken the aspirin.\n\nTry to figure out what is causing your migraines so that you can avoid them that way, too. It can be different for each person. For me, it was monthly hormonal changes (so I had a pretty good clue when to expect them). For others, it can be certain foods. I had a friend once who got a migraine every time she ate anything cold, like ice cream or frozen yogurt. See if you can track down the cause and then avoid whatever causes them.\n\nIf you already have the migraine and it is a relatively mild one, sometimes they can be warded off by either taking a hot shower or soaking your feet in hot water. It has something to do with blood flow. The hot shower worked for me several times.\n\nAlso, and I know this is really gross so bear with me, when a migraine becomes bad enough, you will become nauseous and then throw up. And then, voile!, the migraine will disappear. (At least this has been true for me and for others I've spoken with.) So, if all else fails and you're in the middle of a terrible migraine and you just want it to STOP, I suggest working on the computer or reading a book. For me, this speeds up the process to reaching nausea and then blessed relief. And, no, throwing up isn't pleasant. But sometimes it is better than the alternative of feeling like your head is going to explode.
431082
I get really severe migraine too and I feel for you.  I take medication for mine and that is the only thing that helps me (Imitrex) but before Imitrex came out I used to put an ice pack on the affected side (sometimes a bag of frozen corn or frozen peas because you could contour it to your head), lie in a darkened room and (all the above answers are great, by the way) place a hot water bottle, not too hot, on my abdomen as this would help to draw the flow of blood away from the head. Hope that helps.
779061
ugh i hate migraine advice from people that don't get them.  migraines often but not always have triggers.  the most common triggers are preservatives -- sulfites in wines, sodiums you can't pronounce in all kinds of prepared foods.  watch what you eat and see if you notice any patterns.  for me there is something in hotdogs, canned beans (like baked beans), soy sauce is practically deadly.  \n\ni find the best treament for mine are a cup of french coffee -- thats espresso roast coffee made in a french press. \nAlso a chunk of bakers semi sweet chocolate helps -- even better are chunks of chocolate you can find in latin supermarkets made for putting in hot drinks.  these are both relatively unproccessed and you get more chocolate goodness and less processing indgrients.  unfortunatley chocolate is also a migraine trigger for some.  \n\nsome life change things you can do to reduce migraines -- \n\ndrink lots of water -- at least 2 liters a day -- 4 is better.  water means water.  don't count juice or soda or anything else as water.  your body processes it differently.  it seems most headaches have something to do with brain dehydration including migraines.  \n\nvitamins -- b complexes and calcium/magnesium suppliments are most often recommended -- i can't guarantee this but if i eat a bunch of calcium/magnesium while i have a headache i usually feel a little better after.  \n\nmelatonin works better than any pain reducer.  i take about 6 mgs if my head hurts 9 mgs if my head hurts and i am going to sleep.  \n\nThese are just the basics.  there is a lot of info out there -- much of it is conflicting.  these are things that work for me. doesn't mean they will work for you.  best of luck.
1093103
i thank you for your question.. i have had migraines for a long time.. i always thought they were coming from to much head trauma.. but i will ask the doctor about this anyway..but they usually associate everything i say back to all the head trauma i have had by abusive husbands and one of my ex-sister-in-laws...i do not live in that situation at all now.. i never fought them i just  never really knew them well enough...but this is off the subject...but thankyou for your input...hope it works..i wander if they will know the name of the stuff here in missouri.....who knows  i kind of losing faith in doctors and well about anyone anymore...
629001
I dont know much about migrains, far from it. But I know a few things: A healthy lifestyle is good for you! Especially drinking enough water, and exercising. If that does not help, see a doctor and/or buy some anti-migrain drug.\n\nAlso, avoid candy, coffe, cigarettes, stress, artifial sweeteners and keep your blood sugar level steady! In other words: be healthy!
52624
Experts say one of the main causes of headaches is stress, and to get headache relief you have to learn to deal with the stress in your life. Everyone has stress; some stress is good, like a new baby, job, or house, while some is bad, like a failing relationship or a boss that you don't get along with. Here are three tips to help you deal with stress and get some headache relief.\n\nKeep a journal and record what's going on in your life, especially when you get a headache. You'll be able to see what situations cause you the most stress and which cause headaches for you. You'll also feel better when you get things off your chest. You may be able to avoid those situations that are most stressful, or you can find a way to deal with them.\n\nAnother way to get headache relief is to take good care of yourself. Eat a healthy, balanced diet, get enough rest, quit smoking, and limit your alcohol and caffeine intake. All of these actions will help you feel better and make you less likely to get a headache in the first place and more able to handle stress.\n\nSpend time with yourself. Set aside time everyday, even if it's just five minutes, to relax and do whatever you want. Read, soak in a hot tub, or meditate. You'll feel more relaxed, and when you're more relaxed, you're less likely to get a headache.
196914
Headaches in general have tens of thousands of problems.  Many migraines have multiple causes.  For non-invasive treatments and alternatives to prescription drugs, see a Chiropractor who performs holistic or natural-based medicine.  With a proper work-up, the doctor can then suggest therapeutic interventions to possibly include spinal adjustments, strengthening and stabalization exercises, vitamin or herbal treatment, finding environmental or food allergies, and even as mentioned in a previous answer possibly detoxification.  Remember, there are so many causes of headaches that most of the time there is no "magic bullet" that cures the headaches.  But control and decreasing symptoms to increase normal activities of daily living is attainable.
181024
My migraines (fairly infrequent, thank GOD) are caused mainly by massive stress, flashing lights, or lack of sleep.  What you should really do is keep a headache diary - this is how I narrowed down my triggers.  Keep a notebook by your bed and every night before you go to sleep make a note of what you ate, your stress level, how you're sleeping, anything out of the ordinary.  You may find common threads.\n\nAs for while you're suffering - for me the trick is catching it early.  I have to take some sort of analgesic when I start getting the tunnel vision and the metallic taste in my mouth or I'm in for a world of hurt later.  If I don't catch it in time then keeping my hands extra-warm seems to help.  (I don't know why - I just go with what works.)\n\nMy best to you - I feel your pain.  My mother always said you should never hand a gun to someone with a migraine because they'd surely shoot themselves.
686510
If you can get away. . .a dark room with no noise.  There are many prescription drugs to deal with migraines, but I have luck with an aspirin based over the counter medication, and at least an hour of QUIET and DARK.  Try to catch them early, before they knock you down.  I sympathize.
182123
Short of having a prescriptions pain killer for migraines, there is not a lot you can do.  Try sleeping in a dark, cool, and quite room.  Keep yourself comfortable.  Don't eat or drink anything.  Cool (not cold) water is okay, but you probably won't care for any.  Don't try to drive or leave the house.  Don't answer the phone.  Don't move at all if you don't have to as all of these things will make the migraine much worse.  My best advice is to get a prescription and take it at the onset of a migraine.  You will feel better in 1/2 hour and most or all of the symptoms will be gone in 1 hour.
1128429
Make sure you are drinking lots of water. Many headaches are the result of our body being dehydrated. When we take pills to relieve them, we wash them down with water (ever wonder why they recommend so much water when you take a pill?). I usually take Excedrine Migraine and lots of water when I get them, but have found I don't get as many if I make sure I keep hydrated.
841621
Why not see your doc for some preventative medication.  There are many meds that are used to help prevent migraines.  It makes more sense to find out what is causing them and prevent them if you can and if you can't then try preventative medicine so you get less of them.
35145
I suggest you get a High Density Negative Ion Generator.They are good for migraines and a lot of other things.I Tried the model (IG-133) and you would not believe how much better I feel in every way including migraines.I used to have migraines every day and after sleeping with one beside my bed about 3 to 5 feet from my head I no longer have migraines.They are really good.Check out the website below for more information on what they are good for and to purchase one.I think you will be pleasently surprised.There are also several other sites and to find them just type (negative ion generators)in Yahoo Search.There are cheap negative ion generators out there but don't waste your money on them because they don't put out enough negative ions and some put out ozone too,which you don't want.You need one that puts out at least in the millions.They are called High Density Negative Ion Generators.They cost around $150.00.I think everyone should own at least one.
194072
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584815
I suffer from a couple migraines about once every month.\n\nWhile 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: \n\nFatigue - from too much physical activity, lack of sleep, or too much sleep \n\nStress - periods during or after stressful situations \n\nSome 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 \n\nCaffeine withdrawal - caused by dramatically cutting back or stopping your caffeine intake altogether. Common foods containing caffeine are coffee, tea, and some soft drinks. \n\nMenstruation - relating to changes in hormone levels at the time of a woman's period \n\n\nhttp://www.webmd.com/content/article/96/103883.htm
645550
I get really bad migraines too. Normally if I have a migraine I drink tea, place an ice pack on your forehead( lay in the dark where its peacefull), or I learned this when I was younger. First keep your eyes opes and take your pointer and middle finger and massage your temples at the same time for about ten sec.. THen close your eyes and do the same thing. It works a little for more, and if that doesnt work take some advil.