WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT... migraines

“The first step in managing migraines is to avoid any triggers,” says Dr Bal Athwal, Consultant Neurologist at The Wellington Hospital in North London, part of HCA Healthcare UK.

“The most important thing is to regulate activity levels, sleep/wake cycles, eating and drinking, and levels of stress. People tend to have attacks when these rhythms are disturbed – for example through poor sleep, irregular meals or dehydration.

“It is less common for specific foods to trigger migraine. I often see people who have eliminated cheese or chocolate from their diet. I generally find it is more helpful to focus on eating and drinking regularly.” Hormonal changes are a frequent trigger for migraine, usually affecting women. “There is a strong tendency just before the period starts, caused by a fall in oestrogen levels,” adds Dr Athwal.

When an attack happens, rest and take anti-inflammatory painkillers. If you struggle to manage the pain, your doctor may prescribe a group of medicines called triptans.