Migraine Headaches: Home Treatment

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Home Treatment

There are many steps you can take at home to reduce the frequency of migraine attacks and treat the symptoms, such as reducing stress, taking prescription drugs, and identifying and avoiding migraine triggers.

• Find healthy ways to deal with stress. Migraine headaches seem to be more common during stressful times or right after you have "let down" after a stressful time.
• Practice relaxation techniques to reduce muscle tension and stress.
• Take preventive drugs as prescribed by your doctor.
• To help identify triggers of your headaches and determine if your headaches are becoming more severe or more frequent, keep a headache diary (What is a PDF document?).
• Seek help if you think that your migraines may be linked to depression or anxiety. Proper treatment of these conditions may reduce the frequency of your migraines.

For more information, see:

Identifying and avoiding migraine triggers

Managing your headache

Often children's headaches are related to stress about school, such as tests, athletic or social events, or peer pressure. They may also be related to lack of sleep. If your child has headaches, follow the treatment your doctor recommends. If your child has trouble managing his or her headaches with home treatment and your doctor's advice, keep a diary of the headaches and talk with your doctor.

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Last updated:	July 03, 2007
Author:	Monica Rhodes
Reviewed By:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine, Colin Chalk, MD, CM, FRCPC - Neurology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman