What to do if you always have migraines?

Written by Liu Yan Hao
Neurology
Updated on March 22, 2025
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Migraine attacks are related to insufficient rest, staying up late, fatigue, or poor sleep, as well as certain foods consumed ordinarily, such as pickled foods and salted vegetables, which contain nitrites. Nitrites can trigger migraine attacks. Other foods like some dairy products and red wine can also easily trigger migraines. If migraines recur frequently, it's important to first identify the causes, such as staying up late or poor sleep. For poor sleep, sedative and sleep aid medications can be taken, and try to avoid staying up late. Also, consider if you frequently consume pickled foods, dairy products, or red wine, and if so, try to correct these habits, which might reduce the frequency of migraine attacks. Furthermore, during a migraine attack, you can take some pain relievers to alleviate the symptoms. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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How many days can a migraine recover?

For most cases of migraines, patients generally recover within three days. If migraine-specific medications are administered, recovery can be faster, with symptoms significantly alleviated within a day. If a migraine persists for more than three days without recovery, it is known as a status migraine, and specific migraine medications need to be used, such as ergot preparations or triptan drugs, which are effective. Some patients with prolonged migraine duration may need sedatives and drugs to reduce intracranial pressure for symptomatic treatment. Patients with migraines must ensure adequate rest, ensure good sleep, and maintain stable emotions. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Liu Yan Hao
Neurology
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How should migraines be treated?

The treatment of migraines is actually quite simple. During an attack, oral pain relievers can be taken to temporarily relieve pain, but it is crucial to first confirm whether it is indeed a migraine attack. This is because some organic cerebrovascular diseases, such as cerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage, can also present symptoms of headache. Mistaking these for migraine and taking pain relievers could delay proper treatment. If it is confirmed to be a migraine, then pain relievers can be taken for treatment. Migraines often recur, typically causing unilateral headaches, and visual aura symptoms may appear before an attack. Even without treatment, symptoms usually subside completely within a few hours. It is best to investigate conditions mentioned like cerebral hemorrhage or subarachnoid hemorrhage, which are organic changes that can cause similar symptoms. Once diagnosed, the treatment becomes straightforward. Normally, it is important to be aware of and avoid triggers for migraines, such as staying up late, consuming salty pickled vegetables and other foods, red wine, and cheese, as these may trigger migraines. (Please use medications under the guidance of a professional physician and do not medicate blindly.)

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Is migraine easy to treat?

Migraine, a type of disorder that frequently occurs, causes substantial pain, with patients experiencing severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms. Generally, migraines are manageable and not particularly difficult to treat, although they are prone to recurrence. Treatment primarily consists of pharmacotherapy, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain relief, as well as specific medications such as triptans and ergot derivatives, all of which are highly effective. Some patients might also benefit from using benzodiazepines, which serve as sedatives and hypnotics, providing favorable outcomes. If migraines frequently disrupt life, preventive medications may be used to decrease their occurrence, including calcium channel blockers and antiepileptics, which are quite effective. (Note: The answer is for reference only. Take medications under the guidance of a professional physician, and do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Liu Yan Hao
Neurology
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Can I wash my hair if I have a migraine?

Patients with migraines should avoid washing their hair during an attack. Water that is too hot or too cold can stimulate the dilation or spasm of cerebral blood vessels, potentially worsening migraine symptoms. Therefore, it is advised not to wash hair during a migraine attack, though it is fine during remission periods. During a migraine attack, symptomatic oral pain relievers and medications to alleviate vascular spasms can be used for treatment. It is important to prevent migraines by avoiding staying up late and overexertion. Additionally, certain foods known to trigger migraines should be avoided, including foods containing nitrites such as leftovers, pickled vegetables, and other preserved foods which may contain nitrites. Foods like red wine and cheese can also trigger migraines and should be consumed with caution. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Liu Yan Hao
Neurology
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Can you drink alcohol with a migraine?

Patients with migraines can appropriately drink some white liquor or beer, which is generally not a problem, but they must not drink red wine. This is because red wine and dairy products, such as cheese, can induce migraine attacks. Additionally, pickled foods like pickled vegetables contain nitrites, which can also trigger migraine attacks; therefore, it is best to avoid pickled foods as much as possible. Typically, before a migraine attack, there is a precursor symptom where vision changes occur. After these precursor symptoms disappear, migraine symptoms emerge. During a migraine attack, oral pain relievers can be taken for symptomatic treatment. Some patients may find relief on their own a few hours after not taking medicine. Symptoms may recur, so it is generally advised to identify and avoid these triggers to prevent migraine attacks.