Living with a migraine headache?

You are not alone.

More than 39 million people in the United States are affected by migraines. The severe, often debilitating headaches are typically accompanied by throbbing pain on one side of the head. A migraine attack may last up to 72 hours and can include nausea, vomiting, blurred vision and sensitivity to light and sound.

The good news is there are ways to prevent or reduce the likelihood of having a migraine.

Not all migraines are the same and individuals may experience different symptoms, triggers and sensitivities. According to Mark Lewis, a California-based health expert, there are five common types of migraines:

• A migraine without aura and is accompanied by nausea, vomiting and issues with light and sound.

• A migraine with aura includes all the aforementioned symptoms, as well as visual disturbances and tingling or numbness in the face or limbs.

• The chronic migraine is also very common and debilitating as it leads to painful headaches that last for 15 or more days per month for at least three months.

• The vestibular migraine is known to cause headache pain as well as dizziness, unsteadiness and vertigo.

• The final of the five most common migraines impacts women only and is the menstrual migraine, which is caused by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle.

“All migraines can cause intense and persistent headache pain as well as other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound and blurred vision,” Lewis says. “These symptoms can be severe enough to interfere with daily activities such as work, school and socializing.”

Longtime doctor Adil Maqbool says the top priority for an individual suffering from a migraine is to find a quiet, dark place to rest.

“It’s important to avoid stimuli that may worsen your symptoms, such as bright lights or loud noises,” Maqbool says. “Over-the-counter pain medication can help alleviate the pain, and prescription medication may also be recommended by a doctor.”

In addition to finding a dark location and taking over-the-counter medicines, neurologist Achillefs Ntranos says migraine sufferers should also stay hydrated and avoid potential triggers.

“It’s important to drink plenty of water because dehydration can trigger migraines or make them worse,” Ntranos says. “Also try to identify and avoid triggers such as certain foods, stress and changes in sleep patterns.”

Ntranos suggests those who experience migraines frequently to consider taking magnesium supplements as they have cell-membrane stabilizing effects and have been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of the headaches.

While migraines present challenges, the good news is these headaches can be limited or prevented, according to Ntranos. The best way to reduce the likelihood of one having a migraine is to watch their diet.

“Certain foods such as aged cheeses, alcohol, processed foods and caffeine have been identified as triggers for some people with migraines,” he says. “Keeping a food diary and identifying personal triggers can help reduce the frequency of migraines.”

Regular exercise is another way to lessen the chances of having a migraine. Ntranos says exercising regularly has been proven to reduce stress, improve sleep and enhance overall physical and mental well-being – all factors in preventing migraines.

With stress being a major trigger, Ntranos encourages migraine sufferers to manage their stress through techniques like relaxation, mindfulness and deep breathing.

If those tips are unsuccessful in reducing migraines, Ntranos says there are several over-the-counter pain relievers including ibuprofen, aspirin or acetaminophen that can reduce headache pain. Beta-blockers and anti-seizure drugs may also be recommended by a medical professional to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.

“Migraines are a complex and challenging condition that can significantly impact a person’s daily functioning and well-being,” Ntranos says. “There are steps an individual can take to prevent migraines, and lifestyle changes, complementary therapies and pain-relief medicines can help treat migraines.

“If migraines are affecting your daily life, then it is important to work with a healthcare provider to develop a comprehensive management plan.”