Migraine headache is a type of vascular headache characterized by pulsating pain experienced on one side of the head. The sufferer becomes sensitive to light and sound during the period of a migraine attack, nausea and vomiting might follow. Migraine is a condition which is 3 times more commonly seen on women than in men and more than 28 million individuals in the United States are in its grip. Migraine help comes in the form of medicinal as well as non-medicinal or natural ways by means of which an attack can be combated.

Following are the conditions that might trigger a migraine :

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Lack of food or irregular intake of food
• Irregular sleep pattern
• Exposure to sudden change in light
• Hormonal changes in case of women

Preventive migraine help:

The best way to prevent a migraine headache is by bringing about some positive changes in your present lifestyle and taking preventive medication. Even if the change in lifestyle is not able to prevent a headache, it would alter the severity and frequency of migraine headache. The certain changes that might be brought in your existing lifestyle are:

Avoiding migraine triggering foods: The intake of certain foods that might trigger a migraine should be avoided. These foods include chocolates, alcohol, pickled fermented or preserved foods.

Avoiding the use of strong smelling perfumes and deodorants: Strong smells often fail to agree with individuals susceptible to migraines and might act as precipitating factors for these attacks.

Regulating the sleep pattern: Sleeping in excess as well as lack of sleep can both cause migraine headaches. Thus, it is recommended that you try to regulate your sleeping pattern such that you get adequate rest. This can be done by avoiding late nights, following relaxation techniques before going to bed and leading a stress free lifestyle.

Regulating the intake of food: Fasting or staying empty stomach for a long period of time is another risk factor for migraine headache.

Regular exercise: Opting for aerobic exercises and performing them regularly helps in preventing migraine .However, it should be remembered that over exertion is another trigger for migraine, so keep the exercising to the optimal and balanced level.

Medicinal migraine help:

Over the counter (OTC) migraine treatment: Medicinal formulations such as Excedrin Migraine, Motrin Migraine and Advil Migraine are some of the most effective remedies for combating migraine induces pain and associated symptoms.

Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): These include drugs like aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen and naproxen. They are easily available at most drug stores and are reportedly most effective in treating mild to moderate intensity migraine headache.

Tryptans: These drugs are available on the prescription of a doctor and include medicines such as Sumatriptan, Rizatriptan and Eletriptan. They not only help treat severe pain but are also useful in treating various associated symptoms of migraine such as muscle weakness, nausea and fatigue.