When It's More Than Just a Bad Headache

The two best things you can do to prevent chronic migraine are to seek early treatment for headaches from a qualified medical specialist and avoid lifestyle factors that may trigger the condition. In terms of lifestyle, consider the following:

• Keep your caffeine consumption to a minimum, only one cup of coffee or a caffeinated soda a day, if possible. And check caffeine contents—some popular brands contain three times as much caffeine as others, making even one cup too much. If you are supersensitive to caffeine, you may need to cut it out altogether.
• Sleep about six to eight hours per night. More or less sleep can trigger migraines. If you snore or have sleep apnea, see a health care professional for treatment.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Women with a body mass index of 30 or more or whose waists are larger than 35 inches in circumference are at an increased risk for chronic migraine.
• Seek treatment for symptoms of depression and anxiety.
• Practice relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga or guided imagery, especially when facing stressful life events.
• Exercise regularly with an activity you enjoy, such as walking, swimming or biking; be sure to check with your health care professional before starting any physical exercise.