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Even as migraine headaches are frustrating to anyone affected by it, they can be prevented. We can reduce the chances of having migraine and also lessen the severity of the headache pain when migraine occurs.

 

Migraine is a condition characterized by severe headaches to one or both sides of the head frequently accompanied by nausea, and altered perceptions. It occurs when certain conditions or triggers become present. It is therefore wise to know what these triggers are and how they can be avoided, and in the process avoiding migraine altogether.

 

Preventing migraine could be achieved through a number of ways:

  1. Managing one’s lifestyle
  2. Preventive medications and supplements, and
  3. Other preventive methods

 

Managing Lifestyle

 

  • Avoid triggers. If certain foods or even odors, have seemed to trigger your migraine in the past, it will be well to avoid them.
  • Reduce medications containing estrogen.In some women who have migraines, estrogen may trigger or worsen their headaches. They should avoid or reduce the medications they take that contain estrogen, which include birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy..
  • Avoid sources of stress. Too much stress triggers migraine so avoid it. Reduce your caffeine and alcohol intake and avoid tobacco.
  • Establish a daily routine with enough sleep at regular patterns and regular meals.
  • Exercise regularly. It has been determined that aerobic exercise done regularly reduces tension and can help prevent migraines. Just remember to warm up slowly, as sudden, intense exercise can also cause headaches.
  • Maintain a healthy weight or lose weight. Obesity is also thought to be a major factor in migraine headaches.

Doctors advise migraine patients to keep a migraine diary to help them identify possible triggers and also monitor how well any medication they are are taking is working.

 

Preventive medications

 

There are medications available to help prevent migraines. These medicines are used as a recourse  if you one has tried avoiding known triggers and still experiences migraines. These medicines may also be prescribed if one experiences very severe migraine attacks, or if the attacks happen frequently. Doctors must be consulted in all migraine-related cases requiring medications.

 

Other Preventive Methods

 

  • Transcranial magnetic stimulation. In 2014, the use of a treatment called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for the treatment and prevention of migraines was approved by the  the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
  • For patients where medication is unsuitable, or it doesn’t help to prevent migraines, acupuncture may be considered. NICE has stated that an acupuncture course of up to 10 sessions over a period of five to eight weeks may be beneficial.

 

  • Essentials oils that come from flowers and leaves of plants can stimulate brain function and help soothe the mind and the body. Aromatherapy is done in several ways including bathing and massage among others.

 

Recognizing the things that trigger migraine attacks and trying to prevent them is one of the best ways of preventing migraines.  A healthy lifestyle where stress is avoided is key in doing this. To a very large extent, our health and wellness depend on our ability to manage our lifestyle. Doing what is beneficial for our health will keep not only migraines at bay but other ailments and illnesses as well.