Psychological migraine treatment gives sufferers a confidence boostMigraine study in GlasgowMigraine Heroes winners announced- Migraine Action launches new migraine in the workplace information packRelaxation podcast to help manage migraineCongratulations for those who took part in the Adidas Women's 5K run!
- First genetic link to common migraine found20% off an initial consultation at the Peak House PracticeFREE Bowen Technique sessions in Kent
- Migraine linked to heart diseaseOverweight teens are more likely to have chronic headaches or migrainesThe National Launch Meeting for BOTOX® in chronic migraine for healthcare professionals
- Polaroid sunglasses prize drawEducation day in Glasgow for young migraineurs and adult migraineurs - 11th SeptemberNew medication to prevent menstrually related migraine
- YorkTest prize draw winnerWanted - do you suffer from chronic migraine?BOTOX® receives licence in UK as preventative treatment in chronic migraine
- Migraine prophylaxis phase IIb clinical study failsVitamin D Low in patients with headache and migraineMigraine Action receives Communiqué award for Best Patient Association
- Have you got back issues of Migraine Action newsletters?Prescribing trends for severe headache and migraine signal inappropriate medication useMigraineurs who experienced childhood abuse have greater risk of cardiovascular disease
- Have you shared your views in the 2010 members surveyNew research helps explain why sleep deprivation triggers migrainesSociodemographic and comorbidity profiles of chronic migraine and episodic migraine sufferers
- Stigma of migraine is significant; worse for those with chronic migraine
Additional migraine information
Understanding your migraine
The first stage of understanding your migraine is to keep a diary to try to identify your trigger factors. You may find that a pattern emerges, and by making changes to your diet and/or lifestyle, you can reduce the severity and/or frequency of your attacks. Doctors and health professionals encourage their patients to keep a diary, as it allows them to make a more accurate diagnosis, offering the most appropriate treatment for you. To download a diary sheet, please click here.
Self help measures
- Avoid triggers which you know you are sensitive to
- Eat regularly, avoid sugary snacks and include slow release carbohydrate foods in your diet
- Drink plenty of water, at least two litres a day
- Maintain a regular sleep pattern
- Take regular exercise, get plenty of fresh air and practise deep breathing
- Limit your intake of drinks containing caffeine and alcohol
- Ensure that ventilation indoors is good and try to keep rooms at a constant temperature
- Avoid bright, flashing or flickering lights (e.g. fluorescent) and reflective surfaces
- Take regular breaks, especially if you are working at a VDU or if your work is repetitive
- Learn relaxation techniques
- Wear sunglasses and/or a hat in bright sunlight
- Ensure that computer screens are properly adjusted and fitted with anti-glare filters
Remember migraine and headaches can be your body's way of telling you to slow down and recharge your batteries.
So above all: LEARN TO SAY NO AND PUT YOURSELF FIRST AT LEAST ONCE EVERY DAY
For further reading materials, please click here to view a list of recommended reading for migraineurs.
If you have read any of the further reading materials and would like to do a book review for Migraine Action, please email us.
PLEASE NOTE: In order to view or print these files in a PDF format, you will need Adobe Reader. To download and install the free Reader on your computer please click here.