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Migraine Prevention & Comfort

If you’re living with migraine disease, your doctor may recommend preventive medicines as well as prescription or over-the-counter pain medications for when you’re having a migraine.  He or she may also recommend alternative treatments such as acupuncture. Along with following your doctor’s advice, there are some simple steps you can take to help make yourself more comfortable, if you are able, when you experience a migraine.1

  • Move to a quiet, dark room.
  • Close your eyes and rest.
  • Place a cool cloth or towel-wrapped ice pack at the base of your neck or on your forehead.

Of course, preventing a migraine is the ultimate goal. In addition to avoiding known migraine triggers, the following lifestyle steps might help.1,2

  • Stay well hydrated.
  • Try to eat at the same time each day. Don’t skip meals, and choose healthy foods.
  • Follow a consistent sleep schedule.
  • Exercise regularly*—aerobic exercise can reduce tension and may help prevent migraines. Warm up slowly, though; sudden, intense exercise can actually cause headaches.
  • Learn ways to reduce and cope with stress. If depression, anxiety or stress are having a big impact on your life, consider talking to a psychologist.3

Migraine disease can be different for each person. Be sure to keep a headache diary. It’s a great way to figure out what’s triggering migraines for you and which treatments work best.

*Talk to your doctor before significantly increasing your level of activity, particularly if you have a medical condition or have been inactive.

1. Mayo Clinic. Migraine. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20360207. Accessed October 24, 2019. 

2. Office on Women’s Health. Migraine. Available at: https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/migraine. Accessed October 24, 2019. 

3. American Migraine Foundation. What to Do After the Diagnosis. Available at: https://info.americanmigrainefoundation.com/what-to-do-after-the-diagnosis-download?__hstc=62189299.0d2f17aec6cac2030acecd45c7413ee1.1575476452435.1575476452435.1575476452435.1&__hssc=62189299.1.1575476452436&__hsfp=2022960332. Accessed December 4, 2019.