Migraines & Headaches Health Center
Ocular Migraine Prevention
The first step to preventing migraines is to
avoid triggers. These often include:
- Stress
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- Hormonal birth control pills
- Exercise
- Bending over
- High altitude
- Dehydration
- Low blood sugar
- Excessive heat
Although dietary triggers -- like caffeine, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners -- can cause other types of migraines, they seem less likely to trigger ocular migraines.
Medications can also prevent ocular migraines. Calcium channel blockers, like Cardene and Calan, are the most commonly used drugs. They work by opening up the blood vessels. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin are also sometimes used. Less often, your doctor may prescribe drugs used to prevent blood clotting, depression, and epilepsy.
WebMD Medical Reference
Researchers test a device that might stop migraine headaches by sending short bursts of magnetic energy to the brain.
