Because it can hit without warning, it’s hard to find ways to prevent it.  Once it hits, it becomes a source of  constant  pain almost too much to bear.  Unfortunately, while stress itself is a trigger, a migraine only brings about even more stress!

Keep a headache journal in which you can  write down the date, time and place the migraine headache started. Also note what you were doing and how your mood was at the time the first pain wave hit.  As you compare notes, look for commonalities. Were you overtired, trying to do too much without adequate sleep?  Overexertion is a stressor that’s a common trigger for migraines.

Each migraine is unique and you may find that certain foods are more likely to help relieve or prolong the pain. Cut back on your caffeine intake in sodas and coffee.

Drink high quality fruit and vegetable juices for the nutritive value as well as the detox potential. Since you may not feel like eating during a migraine, at least you will get some quality nutrients from the juices.

Taking a nonsteroid anti-inflammatory (NASID) medication at the first indication of pain may be helpful.  Common over-the-counter NASIDs are ibuprofen, naproxen and acetaminophen. If this doesn’t help, and relaxation techniques are no match for your migraine, then stronger medications may be necessary from a physician.

Fluorescent lighting, which is common in offices and commercial buildings, can be another trigger to make migraines worse for some people. If you’re working in an office with this lighting, bring a small desk lamp that has a full spectrum light bulb. Turn off the overhead lights and use your desk lamp.

Room noises that you would normally ignore become like the sound of an army marching across your forehead when you have a migraine headache. If you can’t get away from the noise, put earplugs in your ear to muffle the noise.

There’s no foolproof way to prevent migraines but you can be prepared to apply the most comforting approaches that work for you.