Alternative medicine (3)
- Massage: Get in touch with its many health benefits
- Acupuncture
- Biofeedback
Complications (1)
- Rebound headaches
Lifestyle and home remedies (3)
- Migraines: Simple steps to head off the pain
- Sleep tips: 7 steps to better sleep
- Relaxation techniques: Try these steps to reduce stress
Tests and diagnosis (4)
- SPECT scan
- MRI
- Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)
- see all in Tests and diagnosis
Treatments and drugs (2)
- Serotonin syndrome
- Headaches: Treatment depends on your diagnosis and symptoms
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Migraines: Simple steps to head off the pain
Exercise regularly
During physical activity, your body releases certain chemicals that block pain signals to your brain. These chemicals also help alleviate anxiety and depression — conditions that can make migraines worse. If your doctor agrees, choose any exercise you enjoy. Walking, swimming and cycling are often good choices. But it's important to start slowly. Exercising too vigorously can trigger migraines.
Manage stress
Stress and migraines often go hand in hand. You can't avoid daily stress, but you can keep it under control — which can help you prevent migraines.
- Simplify your life. Rather than looking for ways to squeeze more activities or chores into the day, find a way to leave some things out.
- Manage your time wisely. Update your to-do list every day — both at work and at home. Delegate what you can, and break large projects into manageable chunks.
- Take a break. If you feel overwhelmed, a few slow stretches or a quick walk may renew your energy for the task at hand.
- Adjust your attitude. Stay positive. If you find yourself thinking, "This can't be done," switch gears. Think instead, "This will be tough. But I can make it work."
- Let go. Don't worry about things you can't control.
- Relax. Deep breathing from your diaphragm can help you relax. Focus on inhaling and exhaling slowly and deeply for at least 10 minutes every day. It may also help to consciously relax your muscles, one group at a time. When you're done, sit quietly for a minute or two.
Keep a migraine diary
A diary may help you determine what triggers your migraines. Note when your migraines start, what you were doing at the time, how long they last and what, if anything, provides relief. Eventually you may be able to prevent migraines by changing patterns in your daily life.
Strive for balance
Living with migraines is a daily challenge. But making healthy lifestyle choices can help. Ask your friends and loved ones for support. If you're feeling anxious or depressed, consider joining a support group or seeking counseling. Believe in your ability to take control of the pain.
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- Goadsby PK, et al. Headache. In: Fauci AS, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2890365.
- Bajwa ZH, et al. Pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis of migraine in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 20, 2010.
- Headache: Hope through research. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/headache/detail_headache.htm#142883138. Accessed Feb. 19, 2010.
- In brief: Your guide to healthy sleep. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/sleep/healthysleepfs.pdf. Accessed March 9, 2009.
- Trigger avoidance information. American Headache Society. http://www.achenet.org/tools/TriggerAvoidanceInformation.asp. Accessed Feb. 18, 2010.
- Stress won't go away? Maybe you are dealing with chronic stress. American Psychological Association. http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/chronic-stress.aspx. Accessed March 9, 2010.
- Daily relaxation. American Heart Association. http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3047937. Accessed March 9, 2010.
- Swanson JW (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. March 1, 2010.
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