Migraine Head Relief

Most of us find headaches to be an annoying yet normal part of life. For migraine sufferers, however, these headaches can become debilitating for days at a time. Though there is no cure for migraines, there are many preventative and abortive remedies that can relieve and even stop the migraine pain and its symptoms--including dizziness, nausea and vomiting--from occurring.

Onset

• Many long-term migraine sufferers notice a pattern for when their migraines start. Preventing a migraine from coming on is actually the most effective method of relieving migraines. Limiting foods that you are allergic to, managing your stress, preventing hangovers, maintaining a stable sleep routine, keeping yourself at a healthy weight, avoiding overly strenuous activities and properly taking any prescribed medication can all mediate a migraine. If you know you can't avoid these activities, prepare for the onset of a migraine by packing any medications, foods or other remedies that work for you.

Nutrition

• Maintaining a diet that is rich in nutrients and proteins is ideal for most people but especially for migraine sufferers. Proteins stabilize blood sugar, allowing you to feel fuller longer, which prevents the blood sugar spikes that can trigger some headaches, including migraines. Taking a daily multivitamin can also help. Pick one rich in niacin, magnesium and vitamins B6 and C. Mushrooms, oatmeal, tuna, chicken, peanuts, oranges, mangos, sweet potatoes and almonds provide a majority of these vitamins. Most cereals, rice and flour-based foods are also enriched with these vitamins. Other foods can trigger migraines and should be avoided if you find yourself experiencing a migraine shortly after consuming them. Such incidents have occurred with coffee, alcohol, some cheeses, chocolate, shrimp and pork, among others.

Natural Remedies

• Most migraine sufferers find that minimizing their exposure to light, heat, exercise and loud noises brings some relief. Therefore, lying down in a dark room, placing a cold compress on your head, refraining from major activities and turning off all preventable noise are all common at-home remedies for migraines. In addition to these, massaging your head, neck, shoulders and back can provide relief, as can pushing on your pressure points--namely, both sides of the back of the neck or the fleshy part of your hand, between the thumb and pointer finger.

Preventative Medication

• Though most medicines prescribed for migraines are intended to be used after the migraine has already commenced, there are a few alternative medications that can prevent a migraine from beginning. Most of these medications are targeted toward other conditions but have been found effective in the treatment of migraines. According to WebMD, high blood pressure medications, such as Inderal and Covera, can prevent migraines from occurring, as can antidepressants such as Elavil and Pamelor, anti-seizure medications, such as Topamax, Depakote and Neurontin, and even some allergy-relief and antihistamines, like Periactin and Benadryl.

Abortive Treatments

• Abortive treatments, or remedies that you undertake after a migraine has already begun, can range from over-the-counter medications to prescription pain pills, depending on the severity and frequency of your migraines. Many doctors recommend that sufferers take aspirin or ibuprofen as soon as they feel a migraine coming on. Other prescription medications are used to block serotonin receptors, which regulate serotonin levels. These drugs include Imitrex, Zomig and Amerge.