Migraines: Treating One of the Top Disabling Diseases Globally

M.C. Millman

Without a known cure for those suffering from debilitating migraines, effective treatment begins with prevention. 

Cleveland Clinic defines a migraine as a common neurological disease causing various symptoms. Symptoms range, but most notably include a throbbing, pulsing headache on one side of your head and nausea and dizziness. Migraines often worsen from lights, sounds, smells, or physical activity and can last from four hours to days at a time. Migraines impact about 12% of the population. 

While there are prescription medications available, the focus here is on lifestyle changes that can help prevent the occurrence of migraines or reduce their frequency, intensity, and severity. 

Figuring out what works best for you involves a lot of trial and error and close attention to detail. 

Mount Sinai Hospital recommends keeping a migraine diary as one of the first steps to reduce the incidence and severity of migraines. The diary should include relevant information, such as when, where, and how long the headaches occur and symptoms and warning signs. It's also a good idea to note how much sleep you are getting and the foods you eat that may trigger migraines. 

Keeping careful track is the best way to spot personal triggers since no two people are alike. Common triggers include fatigue or sleep schedule changes, sensory overload, like overly bright or glaring lights, and intense smells. Top trigger foods include caffeine/caffeine withdrawal, aged cheese, alcohol, and additives like nitrates and monosodium glutamate (MSG). 

Once you pinpoint some possible triggers, the next step is to remove those triggers as much as possible and keep track of any changes you notice in your migraines. 

If you are suffering from chronic migraines, it is crucial to speak to a specialist to explore all the available treatment options. Prevention is one aspect that will help you manage your symptoms and keep those migraines at bay.