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Prevention

By Mayo Clinic staff

Whether or not you take preventive medications, you may benefit from lifestyle changes that can help reduce the number and severity of migraines. One or more of these suggestions may be helpful for you:

  • Avoid triggers. If certain foods seem to have triggered your headaches in the past, avoid those foods. If certain scents are a problem, try to avoid them. In general, establish a daily routine with regular sleep patterns and regular meals. In addition, try to control stress.
  • Exercise regularly. Regular aerobic exercise reduces tension and can help prevent migraines. If your doctor agrees, choose any aerobic exercise you enjoy, including walking, swimming and cycling. Warm up slowly, however, because sudden, intense exercise can cause headaches. Obesity is also thought to be a factor in migraines, and regular exercise can help you keep your weight down.
  • Reduce the effects of estrogen. If you're a woman with migraines and estrogen seems to trigger or make your headaches worse, you may want to avoid or reduce the amount of medications you take that contain estrogen. These medications include birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy. Talk with your doctor about the best alternatives or dosages for you.
Alternative medicine
References
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  21. Bigal ME, et al. Advil. Wyeth Consumer Healthcare. http://www.advil.com/products/advil/tablet_label.asp. Accessed April 2, 2009.
  22. Maxalt (prescribing information). Whitehouse Station, N.J.: Merck & Co.; 2008. Accessed April 2, 2009.
  23. Treximet (sumatriptan and naproxen sodium) tablets approved by FDA for acute treatment of migraine. GlaxoSmithKline. http://www.gsk.com/media/pressreleases/2008/2008_us_pressrelease_10034.htm. Accessed April 2, 2009.
  24. Neurontin (prescribing information). New York, N.Y.: Pfizer; 2007. http://www.pfizer.com/products/rx/rx_product_neurontin.jsp. Accessed April 2, 2009.
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June 6, 2009

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