Migraine is a severe disorder that affects and interrupts the lives of millions of people. Figures show that twenty five percent of migraine sufferers experience more than four attacks a month and it has consequences for employers, family and friends as well as the sufferer.

One of the best self help measures for sufferers is migraine prevention via education, as it can help you self-diagnose and provide your physician with an intelligent approach to assist him with diagnosis so you get the right migraines treatment. The main drawback is that although there are thousands and thousands of Internet websites for headache, they are erratic and inconsistent. However joining organizations like the American Council for Headache Education and local organizations can play an excellent part in educating yourself about migraine.

Many self help books containing migraine headache info could be described in the same manner, but my advice is to look for those sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology or other such reliable bodies.

Getting a correct diagnosis is the first step to managing migrain, and I have always found it useful to keep a headache diary or calendar to record the severity of my migraine headache pain, and my response to migraine drugs treatment. This includes information such as dosage, time taken and also any non-drug therapies, what you ate at mealtimes, exercise and sleep habits. Honestly recording what you actually do and when you did it will help you doctor treat your more effectually, give you the correct medication for migraines and will help you to identify triggers.

I'm not saying that you should become obsessive and give your headache calendar more attention than necessary but keeping one for a few months before the first visit to a migraine specialist can provide him or her with a great deal of information, and it may be worthwhile maintaining this afterwards. For example I have discovered that sitting at my computer worsened my condition, but when I changed chairs it lessened the stress on my neck and helped me somewhat.

Stopping smoking and starting regular aerobic exercise are valid self-help measures for migraine. Movement encourages the brain to produce more endorphins, which are natural pain fighting hormones, and exercise reduces muscle tension, anxiety, increases energy levels, refreshes and helps you focus. However some migraine sufferers find that this can aggravate and worsen their condition, under these circumstances walking can be beneficial. Remember when you are exercising it is important to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

Helping yourself and cooperating with you physician can also lead to the exploration of natural remedies for migraines, as these are becoming more popular with many being backed by research. Remedies for migraine headaches, which are likely to be offered include relaxation techniques such as hypnosis, biofeedback, progressive relaxation, meditation, guided imagery and breathing exercises.

Other alterative treatment for migraines include:

Acupuncture for migraines

Chiropractic care

Massage

Herbal supplement

Physical therapy

Vitamin (B2) and mineral supplements

Magnesium supplementation

Feverfew

Butterbur

Co-Enzyme Q10

Acupressure

Essential Fatty Acids supplementation

Hydrotherapy

Yoga

Stress does not initially cause migraine headaches but does seem to trigger them if you are a migrane sufferer. Consequently, as stress is closely linked to a migraine headache and because the severity of the condition can disrupt family life causing depression, then you may also be offered behavioral therapies such as psychotherapy and stress management training.

This is by no means a comprehensive manual on migraine prevention but it will hopefully be enough to get you started.

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