Migraine Triggers And Fighters

Dietician Keri Glassman On Foods That May Help Set Off Or Prevent Them, Or Bring Relief To Sufferers

(CBS)  If you're one of the more than 28 million Americans plagued by debilitating migraine headaches, relief may be as simple as changing what you eat, registered dietician Keri Glassman explained on The Early Show Tuesday.

Glassman pointed to foods to avoid if you're prone to migraines, and ones to keep in your arsenal because they may help you avert that throbbing pain and other symptoms.

No food or food additive has been proven to cause migraines, Glassman stressed.

Conversely, it appears that regular supplementation with some nutrients may reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines, she continued.

People have individual triggers, including dietary choices, stress, and activities, she added.

According to Glassman:

Possible Migraine Contributors

Tyramine:

Mechanism: amino acid and vasodilator

Found in: aged cheese, wine, chocolate, smoked, cured or pickled meat, processed meats, tofu, some fruits and vegetables such as eggplant, avocado, bananas and raspberries

Food Additives: Nitrites, MSG:

Mechanism: preservative that excites neurons and has been linked to the onset of migraines; research is inconclusive.

Found in: Chinese food, cheese powders such as Doritos, Campbell's soups, potato chips, frozen meals, and some salad dressings

Aspartame:

Mechanism: artificial sweetener that research has linked to onset of migraines, though mechanism is unknown. Some believe it's linked to serotonin. It's been shown to cause neurons to fire spasmodically, burning out neurons.

Found in: diet drinks and foods

Alcohol -- contsains Histamines

Mechanism: histamines stimulate the immune system

Found in: wine and beer, some cheese, beef, pork, bananas

Possible Migraine Relievers

Omega-3s:

Mechanism: important for brain function, also have anti-inflammatory and nerve-protecting actions

Found in: salmon, oily fish, some nuts, tuna

Ginger:

Mechanism: mild anti-histamine and has an anti-inflammatory effect; ginger inhibits blood vessels from swelling at the onset of a headache and nerves are instantly relieved of pressure.

Found in: ginger cookies, muffins, tea and can be added to stir-fry

Vitamins and Minerals:

Vitamin B2 / Riboflavin

Mechanism: Some studies have shown them to reduce the frequency of migraines, though not their duration or severity; also linked to the efficacy of beta-blockers, drugs used to prevent migraines

Found in: liver, almonds, soy nuts, shellfish, milk and dairy

Magnesium:

Mechanism: helps to relax blood vessels and maintain normal nerve function

Found in: wheat germ, beans, soy products, seafood, dark green leafy vegetables, milk

Caffeine -- may cause or relieve headaches

Mechanism: increases the absorption of some headache medications, bringing about relief more quickly. Too much can cause anxiety, sleep problems and muscle twitching.

Found in: tea, coffee, headache medications, chocolate

Tips to Prevent Migraines:

Keep a diary of events and foods surrounding migraines; identify patterns and experiment with dietary and activity modifications.

Don't skip meals; episodes of hypoglycemia are linked to the onset of migraines.

Exercise

Sleep: Getting too much or too little can trigger migraines

© MMVIII, CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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Add a Comment See all 33 Comments

by softwarecop June 17, 2008 8:25 AM PDT

Curious, is Coke products the only one that has aspartmine. That was all you showed was Coke products. I thought that you were objective .... do your research and don''t label only one thing...!

Reply to this comment

by softwarecop June 17, 2008 8:27 AM PDT

Your post only talks about Aspartame and diet drinks, but you news cast only shows Coke products .....?

Reply to this comment

by thetrafficgu June 17, 2008 8:33 AM PDT

Red wine(not white), BBQ, hotdogs are triggers for my migraines. Barametric pressure changes and changes in routine..sleeping later than normal. I''ve been suffering with migraines since 1978. Imitrex works best for me followed by Maxalt and Zomig. Too bad insurance companies don''t consider them a real illness.(guess if they had just one, they would change their minds.)

Reply to this comment

by kwalstad-2009 June 17, 2008 8:59 AM PDT

The aura preceding the mirgraine is the killer for me. And when it''s all said and done, I feel like I''ve literally had a seizure, slurred speech, etc. The migraines come from my father''s side.

Reply to this comment

by puzzler125 June 17, 2008 9:43 AM PDT

Newscasts are frequently so brief that they don''t have time to include every item on a list such as this one.

Reply to this comment

by carolelam June 17, 2008 9:44 AM PDT

Come on folks....were they suppose to bring in a semi with all the different diet drinks and food in it? Have you never heard of "an example of"? Why are folks so picky about stuff? Don''t you get the idea?

Reply to this comment

by carolelam June 17, 2008 9:51 AM PDT

What were they suppose to do? Bring in a semi-tractor trailer with all the different diet drinks and diet food with aspartame in it? Come on folks! Don''t you know what "an example" is? If you will start looking on labels, you will find thousands of products with aspartame in them.
Ms. Glassman is trying to help you....just take her advise!

Reply to this comment

by Deb Dierking June 17, 2008 10:09 AM PDT

I usually drink Kahlua and milk, sometimes I add Vodka when I want to have a drink and it seems to be better than soda based drinks. Is there a alchol drink that is better than others??? I went to a allgery doctor, hoping he could help me with my problems and I think he thought I was crazy! I told him how certain foods will make me feel drunk, dizzy, headaches, can''t talk or walk. I did read "The MSG Myth" and found a site "nomoreheadeaches" and my avoiding the foods, I feel better. I use to do have all these problem when I had my own garden too, so I will have to go back to have a garden and can & freeze our own food again. The U.S. uses so much MSG and other presevatives then they use to and it seems to be more of a problem for us. The Bianna Salad Dressing shown on TV doesn''t have the MSG and it OK for us to eat. Thanks for having the segment on this morning. The more I can learn about it, the better!!!I wish the food companies and restaurants would get their act together and "be more healthy" too!!! I hope you have more on it.....

Reply to this comment

by kayclark-2009 June 17, 2008 10:35 AM PDT

Strawberries....I''ve had migraines for over 40 years...they quit when I quit eating strawberries...the seeds on the outside caused them.

Reply to this comment

by mediamomma June 17, 2008 12:03 PM PDT

I have suffered from migraines for over 30 years now. I get made when people say to take an aspirin. Not that simple. I don''t have set triggers. My pcp thinks that it could be linked to me getting a pretty bad beating in the head. It''s funny that this popped up today because less than 2 weeks ago I was in the ER to get shots (demerol, fenergan and toderol) because my migraine medicine and ibuprofen was not touching my pain and I had another yesterday which fortunately thanks to my migraine meds and chocolate and ibuprofen I was able to stay out of the ER. Never know when they are going to hit. Warning signs include partial blindness or body tremors or like last week both, which told me it would be a doozy. Woke up with yesterday''s. Migraines bite. Anyone who suffers from them, I so totally feel for you.

Reply to this comment

by carolyntva June 17, 2008 3:14 PM PDT

Food dyes give me migraines. I can''t drink Gatorade or eat candy that has dyes in it. I think the red dye is the worst.

Reply to this comment

by vdavis675 June 17, 2008 4:01 PM PDT

I am just starting to get migraine headaches. I don''t know what is triggering them. Everybody wants to prescribe me medicine. This has helped me out alot Thank you.

Reply to this comment

by nottellin1 June 17, 2008 5:02 PM PDT

I have been having migraine headaches since the early eighties. I found Imitrez to be a great relief, but really expensive. Since about 2000, I have been taking Exedrin, any formula, as soon as I feel one coming on. Works like a charm.

Reply to this comment

by nlm2383 June 17, 2008 5:22 PM PDT

I have headaches almost daily, sometimes more than once a day and sometimes I cannot get them to go away for pretty much the whole day. I have been having headache problems for about 4 years now and I''m only 25. It got so bad a couple times I ended up going to the doctor. The only thing that will remotely being to help, sometimes even get rid of it all together, is Advil liqui-gels. Headaches are an annoyance and to be able to hear there is more I can do to help is so much relief.

Reply to this comment

by misssuzq June 17, 2008 7:30 PM PDT

I went on Nutrasystems in 8/07, and since eating differently I have had only a couple of migraines, and I was getting them way too often.

I lost 32 pounds, too, but I think a better way of eating prompted the change.

Reply to this comment

by misssuzq June 17, 2008 7:31 PM PDT

PS - If you can, Imitrex changed my life - it worked very well for me.

Reply to this comment

by misssuzq June 17, 2008 7:34 PM PDT

Jeeez, one more thing helped - a Tony Little pillow that you can get from HSN - works wonderfully for both my daughter and I.

Reply to this comment

by boston1954 June 17, 2008 7:39 PM PDT

I am so very lucky, that in my entire 54 years, I have had only one Migraine. I sympathize with people who have them weekly.

Reply to this comment

by jersey_ma June 17, 2008 8:51 PM PDT

I have been getting migraines for about 8 years. They have progressively gotten worse. For the last 2 months I have had either a headache or a migraine every day. I am unaware of triggers that may be causing them. I went to the emergency room last week and they did nothing. My primary care physician isn''t doing anything. My migraine pills no longer work. Naproxen is the only thing Ive taken that actually worked. I''ve had bad reactions to Imitrex and Relpax and taken half a dozen other pills that never did anything. Naproxen no longer works, so at this point, I am willing to try almost anything.

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by julieco June 18, 2008 7:59 AM PDT

Before I tell my story, I have to say: Get a Neurologist, one who specializes in migraines if you can, but if not, at least get a neurologist and don''t rely on your family doctor / internist. If you can go to a Pain Managent practice that treats migraines, that''s great too. But try to not rely on a general practitioner / internist / family doctor. They know basics, but when it gets complicated, beyond responding to a -triptan for a couple of migraines a month, you NEED A SPECIALIST. If your Neurologist is too narrow-minded and you can get a Pain Mgt. dr. to treat, for instance, your always-tight back and neck muscles, then do that too. Sometimes they will be more open-minded about adding something for your migraine regimin (even if they don''t usually treat migraine) that the neurologist won''t, in addition to a muscle relaxant for example. Even if you''ve asked the Neurologist, sometimes if it comes from another doctor, the pain mgt. doctor, then the neurologist will go along with it. It can be a huge pain gettting doctors to cooperate with you, but sometimes you have to do your own research and advocate for yourself. That''s how I got the best relief. There''s a URL below for the migraine page of a great email newsletter that has informed and helped me a lot.

Reply to this comment

by julieco June 18, 2008 8:00 AM PDT

I''m 46 and I''ve had really horrible migraines since age 8. Throughout, no consistent triggers Once red wine definitely did it, once Campbell''s soup (MSG) did it, and sometimes extreme stress does it, but otherwise, they just come on as they please. I wake up with them quite often. At two points in my life I had a constant migraine, not caused by medicatiion rebound. They lasted for MONTHS. I used to have approximately 3-4 migraines a week. I am down to 6-9 a month because I take Topomax to prevent them. My neurologist tried other types of medicines for prevention with no success, but I saw a news story when Topomax was first being tried for migraine prevention in clinical trials (it was first used for epilepsy; migraine and epilepsy are "borderline" diseases), and I asked him if we could try it because nothing else was working. He said ok reluctantly. It started making a difference within 2 weeks. I am at the maximum dose, 400mg, and beyond 200mg no difference is supposed to be seen, but it is in me. Always ask!! Always push even though it''s not supposed to make a difference!! It might for you!!

Reply to this comment

by julieco June 18, 2008 8:01 AM PDT

I subscribe to an email newsletter which gives information like the study about Cymbalta being used at twice the high dose for depression. It''s called MedTrackAlert and you just checked the boxes at sign-up for which health issues you are interested in. I get good migraine information from that newsletter. Here is the link for the migraine page: http://www.medtrackalert.com/category/conditions/migraine It is invaluable to me for migraine, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, depression, and was for diabites and Parkinson''s when my Mom was alive, a really good resource. If anyone is interested, I will post it when I figure out the URL. It was how I kept up on the latest medical breakthroughs for my issues, and I printed out articles and studies and brought them to my doctors, and most of the time they hadn''t heard of them, and they were things that HELPED me. I hope some of the above helps someone here. I still have up to 9 headaches a month, but that''s much better than the number I was having. I think it''s probably up to me now to change my eating and sleep habits, and to add some exercise -- my bad!

Reply to this comment

by julieco June 18, 2008 8:04 AM PDT

I also take some other medicines for other things that could contribute to my migraines lessening: Neurontin for chronic pain (elsewhere in my body) at 4800 mg, which is a very high dose (I also have neuropathic itching, so it''s high for that too, and works VERY well); Cymbalta at 120mg, which is twice the high dose for depression because the drug maker is doing a study for that dose for fibromyalgia, and my rheumatologist agreed to put me on that dose because he felt safe with the study protocol; and Inderal (ER or LA, I can''t remember) at 80mg (for an essential tremor), which is actually a high blood pressure drug, and I don''t have high blood pressure, but it helps with the blood vessel issue in migraines. If you have any of these related issues, even the depression, which I have and Cymbalta was helping that at 60mg before we increased it to 120mg, it is worth it to try out not only Topomax, which has helped a LOT of migraine sufferers to prevent their migraines, but also if you suffer from depression, an antidepressant that can also help migraines (theoretically, those that are of the newer generations can just by lifting one''s mood, but some are better than others specifically for migraines. ASK ABOUT TAKING MORE THAN TOPOMAX FOR EXAMPLE if it''s not doing as much as you''d like. ASK TO ADD NEURONTIN for example.

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by julieco June 18, 2008 8:05 AM PDT

Topomax is now widely used for migraine prevention, and I think it''s the only drug in its class, but I could be wrong. I take Zomig tablets 5mg, and often have to take another to get rid of my headache. I used to only have to take one. Over the years my headaches have gotten more stubborn, but due to Topomax, their duration is still a LOT less, and severity as well. I started with Imitrex injection (the pills never worked), and started having rebound migraines. Went to Zomig and it stopped working. Went to Relpax, then it stopped. None of the other -triptans worked, so we went back to Zomig, and I have to take 2 about 1/2 of the time. I sometimes take Torodol. I have found that if my neck starts getting stiff, if I have the time to do nothing, I take my muscle relaxant, generic Zanaflex, and often if my neck muscles relax, the migraine will not come on, or will be much lessened. If I can''t do nothing, I take a very smal dose of Zanaflex so I can function and it helps, but I still get the migraine. There are quite a few prescription muscle relaxants available, so if Zanaflex isn''t good for you, try others.

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by misssmnl June 18, 2008 11:17 PM PDT

Elavil was a life saver. I was on Topamax and the side effects were far too severe. Elavil worked right away with no side effects. I''ve head headaches all my life and just recently I had one that lasted from Nov 07 util June 08. After taking the Elavil (3days later) I was back to me again.

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by barbaram99 June 19, 2008 2:55 AM PDT

I had to get rid of the fluorescence lights . I suffered under them. They made it harder to see. True some food and sounds will bring them on.I need to use what little sight in one eye.

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by betsy112 June 19, 2008 12:25 PM PDT

I have had migraines since I can remember... I''ve been miserable for the past 18 yrs and now that college has come around the migraines have seemingly doubled up, which I know is usual when your stress levels are that high. It started out that I could take Excedrin Migraine normal dosage and be fine. When 2 turned into 3, 3 turned into 4, 4 turned into 5 and before I knew it I was taking 6 to "TRY" and get rid of it. I''ve had a cat scan and the whole nine yards to make sure there isn''t anything going on in there and thankfully there wasn''t. Then I found Imitrex!!! The heavens were answering my prayers. Soon after taking it...The same thing happened. I tried topomax but was advised by doctors that it can affect birth control...Not a good thing..So I stopped taking in. I still have constant migraines that will go on for days, weeks, and even sometimes a month! It''s horrible! I just got perscribed the Zomig which is working out for the most part Wonderfully. I''m afraid though that my body is going to become immuned to it once again and I am at a loss? Being 18 and trying to have the college expierence you''ve always wanted isn''t the easiest thing to do when you have constant migraines.

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by betsyblondin June 19, 2008 6:39 PM PDT

As a nearly 40-year survivor of migraines, I am publishing a book that I hope will help us share experiences while helping to promote awareness and understanding of the complexities of living with migraine: http://www.wordmetropress.com. It is ever more clear that we need much more awareness, funding for research, and real knowledge so we can stop all this guessing about the cause of migraine and how to best prevent and treat it. This affects many millions of people and costs billions of dollars worldwide, let alone the life we lose and pain we suffer, and it is obscene that we do not even know the cause. And we are guessing whether it''s a strawberry or a banana :) I salute migraineurs everywhere -- we survive and persevere.
BetsyBlondin

Reply to this comment

by betsyblondin June 19, 2008 6:41 PM PDT

As a nearly 40-year survivor of migraines, I am publishing a book that I hope will help us share experiences while helping to promote awareness and understanding of the complexities of living with migraine: http://www.wordmetropress.com. It is ever more clear that we need much more awareness, funding for research, and real knowledge so we can stop all this guessing about the cause of migraine and how to best prevent and treat it. This affects many millions of people and costs billions of dollars worldwide, let alone the life we lose and pain we suffer, and it is obscene that we do not even know the cause. And we are guessing whether it''s a strawberry or a banana :) I salute migraineurs everywhere -- we survive and persevere.
BetsyBlondin

Reply to this comment

by betsyblondin June 19, 2008 6:42 PM PDT

As a nearly 40-year survivor of migraines, I am publishing a book that I hope will help us share experiences while helping to promote awareness and understanding of the complexities of living with migraine: http://www.wordmetropress.com. It is ever more clear that we need much more awareness, funding for research, and real knowledge so we can stop all this guessing about the cause of migraine and how to best prevent and treat it. This affects many millions of people and costs billions of dollars worldwide, let alone the life we lose and pain we suffer, and it is obscene that we do not even know the cause. And we are guessing whether it''s a strawberry or a banana :) I salute migraineurs everywhere -- we survive and persevere.
BetsyBlondin

Reply to this comment

by betsyblondin June 19, 2008 6:44 PM PDT

As a nearly 40-year survivor of migraines, I am publishing a book that I hope will help us share experiences while helping to promote awareness and understanding of the complexities of living with migraine: http://www.wordmetropress.com. It is ever more clear that we need much more awareness, funding for research, and real knowledge so we can stop all this guessing about the cause of migraine and how to best prevent and treat it. This affects many millions of people and costs billions of dollars worldwide, let alone the life we lose and pain we suffer, and it is obscene that we do not even know the cause. And we are guessing whether it''s a strawberry or a banana :) I salute migraineurs everywhere -- we survive and persevere.
BetsyBlondin

Reply to this comment

by betsyblondin June 19, 2008 6:51 PM PDT

As a nearly 40-year survivor of migraines, I am publishing a book that I hope will help us share experiences while helping to promote awareness and understanding of the complexities of living with migraine: http://www.wordmetropress.com. It is ever more clear that we need much more awareness, funding for research, and real knowledge so we can stop all this guessing about the cause of migraine and how to best prevent and treat it. This affects many millions of people and costs billions of dollars worldwide, let alone the life we lose and pain we suffer, and it is obscene that we do not even know the cause. And we are guessing whether it''s a strawberry or a banana :) I salute migraineurs everywhere -- we survive and persevere.
BetsyBlondin

Reply to this comment

by betsyblondin June 19, 2008 6:54 PM PDT

Sorry, I didn''t intend to repeat my comment! I didn''t understand the message saying the publish button was disabled -- how embarrassing!
Betsy

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[softwarecop]

Curious, is Coke products the only one that has aspartmine. That was all you showed was Coke products. I thought that you were objective .... do your research and don''t label only one thing...!

[softwarecop]

Your post only talks about Aspartame and diet drinks, but you news cast only shows Coke products .....?

[thetrafficgu]

Red wine(not white), BBQ, hotdogs are triggers for my migraines. Barametric pressure changes and changes in routine..sleeping later than normal. I''ve been suffering with migraines since 1978. Imitrex works best for me followed by Maxalt and Zomig. Too bad insurance companies don''t consider them a real illness.(guess if they had just one, they would change their minds.)

[kwalstad-2009]

The aura preceding the mirgraine is the killer for me. And when it''s all said and done, I feel like I''ve literally had a seizure, slurred speech, etc. The migraines come from my father''s side.

[puzzler125]

Newscasts are frequently so brief that they don''t have time to include every item on a list such as this one.

[carolelam]

Come on folks....were they suppose to bring in a semi with all the different diet drinks and food in it? Have you never heard of "an example of"? Why are folks so picky about stuff? Don''t you get the idea?

[carolelam]

What were they suppose to do? Bring in a semi-tractor trailer with all the different diet drinks and diet food with aspartame in it? Come on folks! Don''t you know what "an example" is? If you will start looking on labels, you will find thousands of products with aspartame in them.
Ms. Glassman is trying to help you....just take her advise!

[Deb Dierking]

I usually drink Kahlua and milk, sometimes I add Vodka when I want to have a drink and it seems to be better than soda based drinks. Is there a alchol drink that is better than others??? I went to a allgery doctor, hoping he could help me with my problems and I think he thought I was crazy! I told him how certain foods will make me feel drunk, dizzy, headaches, can''t talk or walk. I did read "The MSG Myth" and found a site "nomoreheadeaches" and my avoiding the foods, I feel better. I use to do have all these problem when I had my own garden too, so I will have to go back to have a garden and can & freeze our own food again. The U.S. uses so much MSG and other presevatives then they use to and it seems to be more of a problem for us. The Bianna Salad Dressing shown on TV doesn''t have the MSG and it OK for us to eat. Thanks for having the segment on this morning. The more I can learn about it, the better!!!I wish the food companies and restaurants would get their act together and "be more healthy" too!!! I hope you have more on it.....

[kayclark-2009]

Strawberries....I''ve had migraines for over 40 years...they quit when I quit eating strawberries...the seeds on the outside caused them.

[mediamomma]

I have suffered from migraines for over 30 years now. I get made when people say to take an aspirin. Not that simple. I don''t have set triggers. My pcp thinks that it could be linked to me getting a pretty bad beating in the head. It''s funny that this popped up today because less than 2 weeks ago I was in the ER to get shots (demerol, fenergan and toderol) because my migraine medicine and ibuprofen was not touching my pain and I had another yesterday which fortunately thanks to my migraine meds and chocolate and ibuprofen I was able to stay out of the ER. Never know when they are going to hit. Warning signs include partial blindness or body tremors or like last week both, which told me it would be a doozy. Woke up with yesterday''s. Migraines bite. Anyone who suffers from them, I so totally feel for you.

[carolyntva]

Food dyes give me migraines. I can''t drink Gatorade or eat candy that has dyes in it. I think the red dye is the worst.

[vdavis675]

I am just starting to get migraine headaches. I don''t know what is triggering them. Everybody wants to prescribe me medicine. This has helped me out alot Thank you.

[nottellin1]

I have been having migraine headaches since the early eighties. I found Imitrez to be a great relief, but really expensive. Since about 2000, I have been taking Exedrin, any formula, as soon as I feel one coming on. Works like a charm.

[nlm2383]

I have headaches almost daily, sometimes more than once a day and sometimes I cannot get them to go away for pretty much the whole day. I have been having headache problems for about 4 years now and I''m only 25. It got so bad a couple times I ended up going to the doctor. The only thing that will remotely being to help, sometimes even get rid of it all together, is Advil liqui-gels. Headaches are an annoyance and to be able to hear there is more I can do to help is so much relief.

[misssuzq]

I went on Nutrasystems in 8/07, and since eating differently I have had only a couple of migraines, and I was getting them way too often.

I lost 32 pounds, too, but I think a better way of eating prompted the change.

[misssuzq]

PS - If you can, Imitrex changed my life - it worked very well for me.

[misssuzq]

Jeeez, one more thing helped - a Tony Little pillow that you can get from HSN - works wonderfully for both my daughter and I.

[boston1954]

I am so very lucky, that in my entire 54 years, I have had only one Migraine. I sympathize with people who have them weekly.

[jersey_ma]

I have been getting migraines for about 8 years. They have progressively gotten worse. For the last 2 months I have had either a headache or a migraine every day. I am unaware of triggers that may be causing them. I went to the emergency room last week and they did nothing. My primary care physician isn''t doing anything. My migraine pills no longer work. Naproxen is the only thing Ive taken that actually worked. I''ve had bad reactions to Imitrex and Relpax and taken half a dozen other pills that never did anything. Naproxen no longer works, so at this point, I am willing to try almost anything.

[julieco]

Before I tell my story, I have to say: Get a Neurologist, one who specializes in migraines if you can, but if not, at least get a neurologist and don''t rely on your family doctor / internist. If you can go to a Pain Managent practice that treats migraines, that''s great too. But try to not rely on a general practitioner / internist / family doctor. They know basics, but when it gets complicated, beyond responding to a -triptan for a couple of migraines a month, you NEED A SPECIALIST. If your Neurologist is too narrow-minded and you can get a Pain Mgt. dr. to treat, for instance, your always-tight back and neck muscles, then do that too. Sometimes they will be more open-minded about adding something for your migraine regimin (even if they don''t usually treat migraine) that the neurologist won''t, in addition to a muscle relaxant for example. Even if you''ve asked the Neurologist, sometimes if it comes from another doctor, the pain mgt. doctor, then the neurologist will go along with it. It can be a huge pain gettting doctors to cooperate with you, but sometimes you have to do your own research and advocate for yourself. That''s how I got the best relief. There''s a URL below for the migraine page of a great email newsletter that has informed and helped me a lot.

[julieco]

I''m 46 and I''ve had really horrible migraines since age 8. Throughout, no consistent triggers Once red wine definitely did it, once Campbell''s soup (MSG) did it, and sometimes extreme stress does it, but otherwise, they just come on as they please. I wake up with them quite often. At two points in my life I had a constant migraine, not caused by medicatiion rebound. They lasted for MONTHS. I used to have approximately 3-4 migraines a week. I am down to 6-9 a month because I take Topomax to prevent them. My neurologist tried other types of medicines for prevention with no success, but I saw a news story when Topomax was first being tried for migraine prevention in clinical trials (it was first used for epilepsy; migraine and epilepsy are "borderline" diseases), and I asked him if we could try it because nothing else was working. He said ok reluctantly. It started making a difference within 2 weeks. I am at the maximum dose, 400mg, and beyond 200mg no difference is supposed to be seen, but it is in me. Always ask!! Always push even though it''s not supposed to make a difference!! It might for you!!

[julieco]

I subscribe to an email newsletter which gives information like the study about Cymbalta being used at twice the high dose for depression. It''s called MedTrackAlert and you just checked the boxes at sign-up for which health issues you are interested in. I get good migraine information from that newsletter. Here is the link for the migraine page: http://www.medtrackalert.com/category/conditions/migraine It is invaluable to me for migraine, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, depression, and was for diabites and Parkinson''s when my Mom was alive, a really good resource. If anyone is interested, I will post it when I figure out the URL. It was how I kept up on the latest medical breakthroughs for my issues, and I printed out articles and studies and brought them to my doctors, and most of the time they hadn''t heard of them, and they were things that HELPED me. I hope some of the above helps someone here. I still have up to 9 headaches a month, but that''s much better than the number I was having. I think it''s probably up to me now to change my eating and sleep habits, and to add some exercise -- my bad!

[julieco]

I also take some other medicines for other things that could contribute to my migraines lessening: Neurontin for chronic pain (elsewhere in my body) at 4800 mg, which is a very high dose (I also have neuropathic itching, so it''s high for that too, and works VERY well); Cymbalta at 120mg, which is twice the high dose for depression because the drug maker is doing a study for that dose for fibromyalgia, and my rheumatologist agreed to put me on that dose because he felt safe with the study protocol; and Inderal (ER or LA, I can''t remember) at 80mg (for an essential tremor), which is actually a high blood pressure drug, and I don''t have high blood pressure, but it helps with the blood vessel issue in migraines. If you have any of these related issues, even the depression, which I have and Cymbalta was helping that at 60mg before we increased it to 120mg, it is worth it to try out not only Topomax, which has helped a LOT of migraine sufferers to prevent their migraines, but also if you suffer from depression, an antidepressant that can also help migraines (theoretically, those that are of the newer generations can just by lifting one''s mood, but some are better than others specifically for migraines. ASK ABOUT TAKING MORE THAN TOPOMAX FOR EXAMPLE if it''s not doing as much as you''d like. ASK TO ADD NEURONTIN for example.

[julieco]

Topomax is now widely used for migraine prevention, and I think it''s the only drug in its class, but I could be wrong. I take Zomig tablets 5mg, and often have to take another to get rid of my headache. I used to only have to take one. Over the years my headaches have gotten more stubborn, but due to Topomax, their duration is still a LOT less, and severity as well. I started with Imitrex injection (the pills never worked), and started having rebound migraines. Went to Zomig and it stopped working. Went to Relpax, then it stopped. None of the other -triptans worked, so we went back to Zomig, and I have to take 2 about 1/2 of the time. I sometimes take Torodol. I have found that if my neck starts getting stiff, if I have the time to do nothing, I take my muscle relaxant, generic Zanaflex, and often if my neck muscles relax, the migraine will not come on, or will be much lessened. If I can''t do nothing, I take a very smal dose of Zanaflex so I can function and it helps, but I still get the migraine. There are quite a few prescription muscle relaxants available, so if Zanaflex isn''t good for you, try others.

[misssmnl]

Elavil was a life saver. I was on Topamax and the side effects were far too severe. Elavil worked right away with no side effects. I''ve head headaches all my life and just recently I had one that lasted from Nov 07 util June 08. After taking the Elavil (3days later) I was back to me again.

[barbaram99]

I had to get rid of the fluorescence lights . I suffered under them. They made it harder to see. True some food and sounds will bring them on.I need to use what little sight in one eye.

[betsy112]

I have had migraines since I can remember... I''ve been miserable for the past 18 yrs and now that college has come around the migraines have seemingly doubled up, which I know is usual when your stress levels are that high. It started out that I could take Excedrin Migraine normal dosage and be fine. When 2 turned into 3, 3 turned into 4, 4 turned into 5 and before I knew it I was taking 6 to "TRY" and get rid of it. I''ve had a cat scan and the whole nine yards to make sure there isn''t anything going on in there and thankfully there wasn''t. Then I found Imitrex!!! The heavens were answering my prayers. Soon after taking it...The same thing happened. I tried topomax but was advised by doctors that it can affect birth control...Not a good thing..So I stopped taking in. I still have constant migraines that will go on for days, weeks, and even sometimes a month! It''s horrible! I just got perscribed the Zomig which is working out for the most part Wonderfully. I''m afraid though that my body is going to become immuned to it once again and I am at a loss? Being 18 and trying to have the college expierence you''ve always wanted isn''t the easiest thing to do when you have constant migraines.

[betsyblondin]

As a nearly 40-year survivor of migraines, I am publishing a book that I hope will help us share experiences while helping to promote awareness and understanding of the complexities of living with migraine: http://www.wordmetropress.com. It is ever more clear that we need much more awareness, funding for research, and real knowledge so we can stop all this guessing about the cause of migraine and how to best prevent and treat it. This affects many millions of people and costs billions of dollars worldwide, let alone the life we lose and pain we suffer, and it is obscene that we do not even know the cause. And we are guessing whether it''s a strawberry or a banana :) I salute migraineurs everywhere -- we survive and persevere.
BetsyBlondin

[betsyblondin]

As a nearly 40-year survivor of migraines, I am publishing a book that I hope will help us share experiences while helping to promote awareness and understanding of the complexities of living with migraine: http://www.wordmetropress.com. It is ever more clear that we need much more awareness, funding for research, and real knowledge so we can stop all this guessing about the cause of migraine and how to best prevent and treat it. This affects many millions of people and costs billions of dollars worldwide, let alone the life we lose and pain we suffer, and it is obscene that we do not even know the cause. And we are guessing whether it''s a strawberry or a banana :) I salute migraineurs everywhere -- we survive and persevere.
BetsyBlondin

[betsyblondin]

As a nearly 40-year survivor of migraines, I am publishing a book that I hope will help us share experiences while helping to promote awareness and understanding of the complexities of living with migraine: http://www.wordmetropress.com. It is ever more clear that we need much more awareness, funding for research, and real knowledge so we can stop all this guessing about the cause of migraine and how to best prevent and treat it. This affects many millions of people and costs billions of dollars worldwide, let alone the life we lose and pain we suffer, and it is obscene that we do not even know the cause. And we are guessing whether it''s a strawberry or a banana :) I salute migraineurs everywhere -- we survive and persevere.
BetsyBlondin

[betsyblondin]

As a nearly 40-year survivor of migraines, I am publishing a book that I hope will help us share experiences while helping to promote awareness and understanding of the complexities of living with migraine: http://www.wordmetropress.com. It is ever more clear that we need much more awareness, funding for research, and real knowledge so we can stop all this guessing about the cause of migraine and how to best prevent and treat it. This affects many millions of people and costs billions of dollars worldwide, let alone the life we lose and pain we suffer, and it is obscene that we do not even know the cause. And we are guessing whether it''s a strawberry or a banana :) I salute migraineurs everywhere -- we survive and persevere.
BetsyBlondin

[betsyblondin]

As a nearly 40-year survivor of migraines, I am publishing a book that I hope will help us share experiences while helping to promote awareness and understanding of the complexities of living with migraine: http://www.wordmetropress.com. It is ever more clear that we need much more awareness, funding for research, and real knowledge so we can stop all this guessing about the cause of migraine and how to best prevent and treat it. This affects many millions of people and costs billions of dollars worldwide, let alone the life we lose and pain we suffer, and it is obscene that we do not even know the cause. And we are guessing whether it''s a strawberry or a banana :) I salute migraineurs everywhere -- we survive and persevere.
BetsyBlondin

[betsyblondin]

Sorry, I didn''t intend to repeat my comment! I didn''t understand the message saying the publish button was disabled -- how embarrassing!
Betsy