From the article: Preventing Headaches
One of the most effective treatments for preventing headaches is to stop them before they start. Headaches can be triggered by a number of things, so understanding how to interrupt the cycle can be a huge benefit, and a wonderful way to improve your quality of life. Share your strategies with other readers and see if you can learn something from them as well.
some tips but mostly need more help
- For years I suffered from very severe three day menstrual migraines. No problem (kinda). Coudld predict them and they were only temporary. Four years ago that all changed. Within four months, I went from once a month to up to every day(although not all bad enough to lay me out). So, how do I deal? I don't. So far, no preventative has worked. The only abortive that works 100% of the time is steriods, and I can only use them every six months. I have identified several food triggers in addition to stress, lack of sleep. Weather seems to be one too. Working on checking that one out for sure. Today has been a very bad day. Last month I had a headache 22 out of 30 days. And, today, I've been hit with another one bad enough that I am nearly couch/bed-ridden. I had one Mon & took Zomig, Compazine & Naproxen (according to DR). Knocked me out for 12 hrs. Groggy all Tues. Back again today (Wed). I need help. Love my neurologist. We just haven't found a solution.
- —Guest justtired
chronic headaches that NEVER go away
- I lived that life for years. Finally, a neurologist put me on Cymbalta for a year and I am sooooo much better. I know its touted as being for depression but it let me get a handle on the chronic pain. One I broke the cycle, Relpax for an abortive and daily vitamins, heavy on the B's. Life is worth live again and I wasn't sure I'd ever be able to make THAT statement
- —Guest muchbetternow
My tip to help prevent my migraines
- I avoid chocolate at all costs after 6 PM, as 9 times out of 10 I'll wake up with a migraine. Another thing I got checked was my thyroid, and I had had undiagnosed hypothyroidism for years, while I had my daily migraines. Once my thyroid got regulated, the migraines SIGNIFICANTLY decreased. I now tell all my friends who get migraines to get their thyroid checked and to FIND OUT what their TSH is. Don't just let your doctor tell you "it's normal"...become empowered and research and learn all you can.
- —Guest Heather
Migraine Prevention
- I spent the last 35 years trying to avoid preventative medication (another drug) because my headaches were only a few times a week and sometimes not even that much. Well finally I went on an old remedy that has been a life saver. Propolanol! I can't believe I waited this long! Since it has been around for at least 30 years, it is cheap and any long term affects are known (which I don't know of any). Try that before any of the new designer preventative drugs.
- —LinDeb
What I've Learned and Try to Apply
- Stay on a schedule for meals, medication, excercise and sleep. Sleep is key. Take a break or short daytime nap. Understand and keep up with your prescription orders. Avoid all food, scent, light and sound triggers. Always dress comfortably, wear sunglasses outside. Understand signs on oncoming migraine and use abortive meds in time, stay hydrated. Let others know if you need to change your arrangements or plans. Pace yourself when feeling great. Prescription lenses just for computer distance cause less strain on my kneck, and less stress for my eyes. Wright down questions you will want to discuss with your doctor, PA or nurse. If serious, don't wait until your next visit. Be assertive with your doctor and pharmacist about how you are doing. Educate those you love and those who interact with you about Migraine disease. The better they understand, the better you will feel about managing your condition. Stay positive and treasure the good days.
- —PainFreeAngel
Chronic Headaches that NEVER go away
- There is no such thing as "no headache" for me. 26 years of constant headaches 24/7-mostly tension but often migraines. Been to numerous doctors,neurologists,chiropractors,acupuncturists,biofeedback,headache therapists. Tried tons of meds. Current neurologist put me back on a med that we tried a year ago-it didn't work then and certainly isn't working now. Apparently he doesn't have any idea how to help but he's the "headache guru" according to my PCP. The 2nd opinion neurologist said botox treatments would be "going for the gold"-bah humbug, after a year of treatments that failed also. I don't know what else to try or where else to turn. I'm 44-guess I'm stuck with this constant pain for the rest of my life. So, in answer to the question-there are no strategies or techiques that work to get rid of headaches, let alone keep them away. I'm sorry to sound bitter-I see some other afflictions that folks deal with & wouldn't trade. I have my sight,can walk,can hear- must keep perspective.
- —HeadacheConnoiseur
