Many people who have a headache will refer to it as a “migraine.” But if you have ever had a real migraine headache, you know the difference can be startling. And while a headache can usually be easily cured by taking medications, migraine sufferers have much more trouble finding relief. For that reason, a consultation with a neurologist who can prescribe the best method of treatment is recommended.

A migraine is a common type of headache that can be either mild, or quite severe and debilitating, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), at www.nlm.nih.gov. A migraine may be accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting or sensitivity to light. In many people, a throbbing pain is felt only on one side of the head. That makes sense, as the word “migraine” is derived from the Greek “hemicrania,” which loosely translated means ‘half a head.’ While some people who suffer migraines have warning symptoms of visual disturbances (called an aura) before the actual headache begins, most people do not have such warning signs. Researchers estimate that at least 10 percent of people in the U.S. get migraines, with the headaches usually beginning between the ages of 10 and 46. They may run in families and occur more often in women than men. A migraine attack can be triggered by stress, food, environmental changes or other factors. There is no specific cure for migraine headaches. The goal is to prevent symptoms by avoiding or altering triggers. When you do get migraine symptoms, try to treat them right away. The headache may be less severe. While migraine sufferers should consult a doctor when they first notice the headaches, here are some everyday measures that can help manage the pain:

• Seek Solace in a Dark Room: Migraine pain is very easily aggravated by physical activity, even something as mild as walking or bending over. When migraines strike, many times the sufferer can be helped by getting out of any bright light and lying down in a dark room.

• Gently Massage Your Temples: If you have throbbing pain in your temples, applying pressure can often help relieve it. It is recommended to either tightly wrap a cloth around your head or massage the area with your fingertips. Try using a cool cloth for additional relief.

• Stick to a Schedule: Try to wake up at the same time every day of the week, including weekends. When you sleep in on your days off, you are effectively disrupting your body’s internal clock. Your body then revs up certain metabolic processes later than it should, which can set the stage for a migraine.

• Drink Fluids: Migraine headaches can be brought on by dehydration. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids, especially if you have vomited.

• Try Biofeedback: Biofeedback is a type of conditioning in which you learn how to automatically warm your hands and relax the muscles around your neck and head. This can help to reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks. Biofeedback machines, which monitor various vital signs, are available for home use (but may require consulting with a professional to ensure proper use of the machine).

• Be Sure You Are Getting Enough Magnesium: People are more likely to experience migraine attacks when they are marginally deficient in magnesium. To be sure this is not the cause of your attacks, try taking 200 milligrams of the mineral every day for two months to see if it has any impact on the number of migraines you experience. Note: Those who have heart or kidney problems should not take supplemental magnesium.

• Minimize Stress: Stress and anxiety can also bring on a migraine attack. To counteract stress, you should allow some time every day to do something that helps to relax you, even if it is only for 30 minutes in the evening. Take a walk, read a book or catch up with a friend.

• Be Prepared When You Travel: A migraine is sometimes associated with a change in altitude, called acute mountain sickness, or AMS. Mild AMS is usually treated with pain medications for headache and a drug called DIAMOX which allows one to breathe faster and metabolize more oxygen, thereby minimizing the symptoms caused by poor oxygenation. If you are planning to fly somewhere or do anything at high elevations, such as skiing, it is recommended to take DIAMOX a couple of days beforehand. It will often reduce the severity of a headache caused by altitude.

Source: The National Institutes of Health, http://www.nlm.nih.gov