Tips to take the headaches out of migraines

Tips to take the headaches out of migraines

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Story Published: Aug 14, 2008 at 6:57 AM PDT

Story Updated: Nov 20, 2008 at 9:32 PM PDT

By Herb Weisbaum

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SEATTLE -- I've never had a migraine, thankfully. But each year about 1 in 4 Americans experiences at least one migraine. You can take drugs to stop the pain and throbbing, but they can have annoying side effects.

A better approach -- is to figure out what causes the migraines.

"Most people with migraines can identify triggers and once they do that they can figure out ways to avoid those situations," said Dr. Orly Avitzur, deputy Medical Editor at Consumer Reports.

"Probably the most common trigger is food; cheeses and foods with preservatives, red wine, beer."

Other triggers include: hunger, odors -- especially perfumes -- lack of sleep, and light.

"Bright or fluorescent lights can cause migraines. In fact, I had my first migraine under fluorescent lights," he said.

Dr. Avitzur says it isn't always easy to identify these triggers. That's why she recommends keeping a diary.

"We usually ask patients to keep a log, detailing their attacks and looking at the causes of the attacks and then trying to figure out what seems to be a common thread."

Consumer Reports says if you have migraines, try to stay well hydrated.

More Information:

Migraine headaches: How you can help yourself

Best drugs to treat migraines

National Institutes of Health: Migraines

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