How to Live With Migraines

Migraines are more common in women than in men. They usually disappear after age 50. Lifestyle changes and drug therapy can make living with migraines more bearable.

Things You'll Need

• Alarm Clocks
• Diuretics
• Magnesium Supplement
• Notebooks

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Instructions

• 1

  Keep a record of what you're doing when you get a migraine so that you can identify triggers.

• 2

  See your doctor about migraine medication such as methysergide, or ask about taking aspirin or prescription codeine at the first hint of a headache.

• 3

  Avoid allergens. For some people, sweets (especially chocolate), milk, aged cheese, processed foods or red wine can set off a migraine.

• 4

  Keep hormone levels in check with regular exercise. Hormonally active women are at greater risk for developing migraines. If your migraines seem to occur around the time of your periods, take a diuretic (to prevent water retention) each day for the three days before you expect to start menstruating.

• 5

  Relax. There is some evidence that overworked perfectionists are more prone to get migraines.

• 6

  Breathe deeply. High doses of oxygen can ease migraines.

• 7

  Wake up at the same time each day and get plenty of rest. Disrupting your natural sleep patterns encourages migraines.

• 8

  Try taking magnesium. Taking supplements can help women who are magnesium-deficient control migraines.

• 9

  Try switching from birth control pills to another form of birth control. Oral contraceptives have been known to increase the frequency and severity of migraines.