What causes migraines to start?

Migraines are triggered by a combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. Common triggers include stress, irregular sleep, certain foods (e.g., aged cheese, chocolate), alcohol (especially red wine), dehydration, menstrual cycle changes, and excess screen time.

Can migraines be prevented?

Yes, many migraines can be prevented by avoiding triggers, maintaining a regular routine (sleep, meals, hydration), stress management (yoga, mindfulness, breathing exercises), and preventive medications or injections in select cases.

 Are there any natural or lifestyle methods to reduce migraine frequency?

Yes, regular aerobic exercise, magnesium supplementation, coenzyme Q10 or riboflavin (vitamin B2), mindfulness meditation, and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for managing migraines.

What exactly is a migraine?

Migraine is a neurological disorder characterised by recurrent, throbbing headaches, often on one side, and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound. Some people experience an aura before the headache.

What’s new in dietary management of migraines?

The latest studies suggest that low-histamine and low-thiamine diets may be helpful; ketogenic diets have shown promise in reducing the frequency and severity of migraines in some patients, and avoiding highly processed foods, artificial sweeteners, and excessive caffeine is important.

What are the latest preventive treatments for migraine (2025)?

Recent advances in migraine treatment include CGRP monoclonal antibodies such as erenumab, fremanezumab, and galcanezumab, which target the CGRP molecule involved in migraine attacks; gepants like rimegepant and atogepant, which are new oral medications used for both prevention and acute treatment; neuromodulation devices, which are non-invasive wearable tools that stimulate nerves to help prevent attacks; and botulinum toxin (Botox), which has proven effective for chronic migraine, defined as more than 15 headache days per month.

Author: Dr Jay Deshmukh

Dr Jay Deshmukh is Chief Physician and Director, Sunflower Hospital, Nagpur Honorary Physician to Honorable Governor of Maharashtra and PondicherryCentral. Dr Jay Deshmukh is an M.B.B.S., M.C.P.S., F.C.P.S., M.N.A.M.S., MD From Internal Medicine – Bombay and New Delhi.