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Help for 1 in 5 people who will get a migraine attack

	Treatments can't stop you from getting migraine headaches, but there are ways to reduce your pain and other symptoms. Lifestyle changes may also help.ConsumerReportsHealth.org can help you find treatments for migraine that work well.
	Subscribe to ConsumerReportsHealth.org today and find out which medications rate best for treating migraine.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with migraine, you're not alone. Consumer Reports Health is here to help with the best research about migraine, and expert evidence and advice about treatment options.

Key points for people with migraine

• Migraine attacks are severe headaches that last from four to 72 hours.
• You also may have other symptoms, such as feeling sick to your stomach or being extra sensitive to sound or light.
• About 1 in 6 people with migraine get what's called an aura. This can cause temporary problems with your vision, or pins and needles or numbness in parts of your body.
• You may be more likely to get an attack if you are tired, hungry, or stressed, or eat or drink certain foods.
• Aspirin can help if your pain is not too bad. For extra relief, you can try taking a pill that has aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), and caffeine. The brand name for this is Excedrin Migraine.
• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) also works for migraine, but you may need the higher dose, which you can get only with a doctor's prescription.
• Triptans are drugs that work quickly to make you feel better. They can help if you have bad attacks, but they do have side effects. And they don't work for everyone.
• If you get migraine attacks often, talk to your doctor about medication to prevent them. Migraine headaches affect 28 million people in the United States. Research shows that certain genes may be linked to migraine. However, genes don't completely explain why some people get migraine. A migraine diary will help you keep track of what triggers your migraine.

Migraine can't be cured, but it can be treated. We encourage you to read our entire condition report and to consult with your doctor to learn more about migraine in adults. As a Consumer Reports Health subscriber, you’ll have access to our expert research and recommendations, and you’ll be more confident and knowledgeable about which treatments are best for you.