Migraine is a lifelong disorder, and we used to believe that women, in particular, would outgrow it by the menopausal years. This notion is no longer supported. There are many treatments available so that people with migraine do not have to suffer until later in life. Additionally, many women do not outgrow their migraines by the menopausal years, but in fact they experience a worsening of headaches during this time. This is particularly true for the 60 percent of women who have hormonally triggered migraines.
Hydration is believed to be critically important in the treatment of migraine.
Rehydration, particularly intravenous hydration, will significantly improve the pain of a migraine. Many patients, particularly those with migraine, have discovered that a migraine attack may be triggered by certain foods, changes in the weather, the menstrual cycle or irregular sleep. Foods containing nitrates may directly affect the cranial blood vessels and trigger a migraine attack in someone who is predisposed to migraine. However, for some patients, consumption of these foods does not always trigger an attack. Often, more than one trigger is required to develop an episode.