Migraine Headache Prevention

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• QCan changing my diet and other habits help prevent migraines?

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  A National Athletic Trainers' Association answered

  Migraines can be treated in a few ways. In some cases, a change in diet or sleeping patterns may result in a decreased frequency of migraines. However, if there is a family history, then diet and sleeping patterns may not be as effective.

  (This answer provided for NATA by the Georgia College & State University Athletic Training Education Program.)

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• QWhat medications can help prevent migraine headaches?

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  A Univ. of Nev. School of Medicine, Family Medicine answered

  Many medications can prevent menstrually related migraines, and your overall migraine pattern will influence the choice of which medication to use. If the headaches only occur with your period, then hormone therapy with birth control pills can be useful. Treatment with triptans can be used as well. Other prophylactic medications could be used depending on patient preferences.

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• QHow do beta blockers help prevent migraines?

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  A RealAge answered

  Beta blockers, such as propranolol and timolol, are used in preventive treatment of migraines.
  
  These drugs work by blocking the effect of certain hormones associated with stress, reducing blood pressure and heart rate. The means by which they reduce migraine frequency is not completely understood, but they have been shown to halve the frequency of migraines.  However, there are potential side effects, such as fatigue, depression, slow heart rhythms (bradycardia), low blood pressure (hypotension), and breathing problems. Beta blockers should never be discontinued abruptly. Also, they are usually not recommended for people with asthma, insulin-dependent diabetes, or heart failure, and their effect on pregnancy women and their babies is unknown.
• QWhat are natural ways to prevent migraines?

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  A RealAge answered

  The following things may help reduce or prevent migraines:
  
  Magnesium inhibits inflammation in blood vessels and is proved to reduce migraine frequency. During the acute phase of attacks, 50% of migraine sufferers have lowered levels of magnesium. However, x and y are possible side effects.
  
  Riboflavin (vitamin B2) appears to be a safe, low-cost, effective treatment for preventing migraine attacks. It reduces the frequency of migraine attacks with minimal side effects, including diarrhea and increased urination.
  
  Ginger (Zingiber officinale) may decrease the severity and frequency of headache symptoms. It may prove to be beneficial due to its ability to inhibit inflammation in blood vessels. When taken after the onset of a migraine attack, ginger offers some relief of symptoms. Ginger may also reduce nausea. Individuals with gallstones should not use ginger supplements. Be aware that the safety of ginger supplements in pregnancy has not been established.
  
  Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is an herb with proven effectiveness in decreasing migraine frequency. It acts as both a serotonin antagonist (inhibits the inflammation of blood vessels that is associated with migraines) and a histamine antagonist (prevents the release of inflammatory substances that may be involved in migraine pain signaling). This herb also inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins, compounds implicated in inflammatory responses. Feverfew may significantly reduce the nausea and vomiting that accompany migraine attacks. Note that possible side effects of feverfew are gastrointestinal ulceration and withdrawal symptoms when its use is discontinued. Withdrawal symptoms may include sleep disturbances, headaches, and muscle pain. Feverfew should not be used during pregnancy and nursing or by patients using blood-thinning(anticoagulant) medications.
  
  

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• QHow can keeping the same sleep schedule prevent migraines?

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  A Dr. Michael Breus, PhD , Psychology, answered

  Making sure you get enough sleep if you’re prone to headaches or migraines won’t always stave off pain, though. What’s more important is keeping the same sleep schedule. Ever gotten a headache or migraine on a day you slept in? Well, yes: you can get too much sleep! If your body is used to rising at 6 am during the workweek and you suddenly switch to 9 am on the weekend, guess what: you’ve just given your nervous system a reason to summon pain. The body likes routines. And it especially likes consistent sleep routines.
  
  
• QWhat can help me prevent a migraine on vacation?

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  A Dr. Audrey L. Halpern, MD , Neurology, answered

  It’s great to finally get time off from work, but many aspects of vacations can trigger migraines…sleeping in (too much sleep can trigger a migraine, as can skipping that morning cup ‘o’ joe), changing sleep habits, traveling through time zones, or sharing a hotel room with your screaming kids.
  
  To reduce the likelihood of a migraine, try to keep the same sleep schedule, and don’t skip that morning coffee. If you want to cut down on your caffeine intake, this is probably not the time to experiment, and it needs to be done gradually. Also, bring ear plugs and a sleep mask; consider trying melatonin, which may help regulate sleep.
  
  Bring your medications with you, in your bag with you, in the car with you, on the plane with you…accessible at all times…even if your medication  if Tylenol and a bottle of water. Be prepared during your travels.
  
  If you’re headed to a sunny climate, opt for rose-colored glasses, both literally and figuratively. Rose-colored lenses may help to block out the wavelengths of light that are more likely to trigger a migraine. Then enjoy the sun with a good sunscreen on, of course.

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