Migraines & Headaches Resource Center

There are many things that lead to migraines and many of the actual triggers have less to do than foods like chocolate, nuts, caffeine, wine and a ton of other substances, than they have to do with stress.

It is easy to eliminate the triggers that have to do with foods and other substances. Some are easier than others, but in the long run, it is easier not to drink wine or eat chocolate than it is to eliminate stress, especially in these extremely difficult times.

Researchers have suggested various ideas to help deal with stress to eliminate or at least diminish migraine headaches. Some of the suggestions are:

*When you feel stress coming on, get out – take a walk, get out of the room you are in
if possible – get some fresh air by opening a window or going outside

*Take a power nap – 15 to 30 minutes – just enough to relax you

*Visualize – Think about a place that makes you calm and/or happy

*Do something fun to make yourself laugh – even for 15 minutes. If you can spare a
minute to an hour to relax, you could avoid the migraine and go back to work with
a clear and positive mind ready to work

*Call a friend or loved one and try to meet for lunch or coffee and eep the conversation
positive – don’t brood on the problems

* Do something you like for a short time – bowling, bicycling, hiking, walking, chess,
reading, drawing or anything you really enjoy

At any rate, it is too much stress right now causing too many migraines, and though there is no way to eliminate stress or migraines completely, there are some things to do that can help you overcome stress without taking a lot of time. When you feel stress coming on, stop it before it goes too far. A few minutes to reduce stress will make your work more productive when you get back to it.  And you might not ever end up with that particular migraine.

Some of us suffer from terrible headaches and have a million questions, but we don’t know if they are the right questions.  Often, we try to just muddle through.

Twenty years ago, there were few choices when battling migraines.  In fact, we weren’t sure what actual migraines were because there was little or no information available describing symptoms, triggers and treatment. 

Today, there is much more information available, and it is much easier to find.  There are organizations dedicated to research on migraines and other headaches.  There are physicians who are specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of headaches, particularly migraines.  There is information on the internet, at the library, at many health centers, clinics, hospitals and health departments.  There are homeopathic treatments, relaxation, biofeedback and other holistic treatments, as well as traditional medical treatment and combinations of various treatments. 

So, with all of this information abounding and with places to go and ways to get diagnosis and treatment, what are the most important issues to address and what questions do you need to consider in advance and discuss with your doctor?  There are a number of simple, straightforward questions that can help with your headaches and help determine if they are truly migraines.

It is important to try to keep track of your headache triggers.  What were you doing prior to the headache coming on?  What did you eat or drink in the few hours previous?  Were you under stress or dealing with a problem?  It would be good to keep track of this information in a headache diary.  If you ask yourself these questions and answer them in your diary, the information will be helpful to your doctor. 

Another consideration is to determine if any medicine you take can cause migraines or make them worse?  For instance, birth control pills and other medications can be problematic.  Asking yourself and your doctor the question regarding medication is important – for all medicine, whether prescription or over the counter.  It is possible that a simple change of medication can bring relief.

Another question to ask is what kind of treatment might work.  Is there a possibility that hypnosis, biofeedback or over the counter medicine – including herbs, vitamins and minerals – could help ease or eliminate the migraines?  If not, are there prescription medications that can help me by preventing migraines or by at least stopping them once I feel them coming on?  What are the side-effects and how can I make them as minimal as possible? 

Do I need to make changes in my life, and will the migraines possibly disappear with time?

These simple questions will give you and your doctor good, specific information that could save you both time and frustration, and keep you feeling better and out of pain from migraine and other headaches.