Migraines are part of the vascular headache family and most often strike women. Seventy percent of those who get migraines are female. “Migraines can be crippling,” says Patricia Solbach, Ph.D. So much so that they cause a loss of more than 157 million workdays each year.

Migraine Headache Symptom

Typically migraines bring severe, one-sided throbbing pain. In 25 percent of cases, however, the pain occurs on both sides. Often nausea and vomiting, and perhaps tremor and dizziness, accompany those headaches. Some people also experience pre migraine warning symptoms, including blurred vision, “floating” visual images, and numbness in an arm or leg.

Migraine Headache Remedy

People who get migraines know that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Here’s what experts advise.

Deep breathing is a great tension reliever.

Sleep Straight – Sleeping in an awkward position, or even on your stomach, can cause the muscles in your neck to contract and trigger a headache. “Sleeping on your back helps,” says Dr. Diamond.

Don’t over sleep – Avoid sleeping in on the weekend, your more likely to wake up with a headache.

Exercise – Moving your body is a great way to relieve stress.

Stay away from cologne, strong perfume can set off a migraine.

Protect your eyes – Bright light can cause squinting, eyestrain, and, finally, headache.

Watch your caffeine intake – Two much caffeine will give you a headache.

Don’t chew gum – The repetitive chewing motion can tighten muscles and bring on a tension headache.

Go easy on salt – High salt intake can trigger migraines in some people.

Eat on time – Skipping meals can cause headaches.

Stop eating hot dogs – Your not missing out nutrition with hot dogs. Hot dogs, like luncheon and other cured meats, contain nitrates. And nitrates dilate blood vessels, which can mean big-time head pain, says Dr. Mathew.

Say no to Chocolate – Chocolate contains tyramine, a chief suspect in causing headaches.