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How Are Migraine and Cluster Headaches Treated?

Migraineurs often identify certain triggers that seem to “set off” a migraine episode. These triggers vary among individuals. Trigger avoidance and preventive treatment with medications or other therapies are important control measures. Migraineurs often report the following triggers:

• Foods (alcohol, nitrates [found in sausage, bacon, hot dogs, luncheon meats, nuts])
  
  
• Light
  
  
• Odors (smoke, perfume)
  
  
• Stress
  
  
• Heat or cold exposure
  
  
• Weather changes (sudden barometric changes)
  
  
• Caffeine
  
  
• Hormonal changes
  
  
• Motion
  
  
• Hunger
  
  
• Sleep pattern changes
  
  
• Smoking

When migraines occur, individuals often need to lie down in a dark, quiet environment away from any sensitizing triggers.

A headache may be stopped in its tracks with certain medicines. This is called abortive therapy. If headaches occur frequently, regularly scheduled medication may be prescribed to prevent headaches or to lessen their severity.