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Doctors advise keeping a trigger diary - a record of all things that a sufferer believes can start attacks - not just foods, but also things like lack of sleep, stress, smoky environments, physical exercise and hormonal cycles in women.
This should then be compared to an attack diary detailing the beginning, duration and end of each migraine. The two might then show if the same triggers were present.
In Sue's case, it was wheat and potatoes which could start her migraines and which she had to adapt her diet to avoid. She says this still makes life difficult when she is invited to eat out socially and when she is on holiday.
The one good thing that has happened is that her attacks have lessened since she turned 50, which is quite a common pattern. Drug treatment for migraine falls into two categories - acute and preventative. If over-the-counter pain killers prove ineffective, GPs can often prescribe stronger ones as well as anti-sickness drugs which may help. Among the drugs prescribed to patients are beta-blockers. They help control stress levels, which often trigger migraine attacks.
One in four patients in the UK Migraine Patient Study said they were dissatisfied with the treatment they had received so far for their condition, but doctors say this need not happen and they must persevere to find the right one.
GP Dr Mark Vose says: "New migraine drugs have become available that are both easier to take and more effective than the older treatments.
"Patients must be encouraged to discuss their migraine with their doctor, as it is often under-diagnosed. New migraine-specific therapies can help them to manage this debilitating condition and regain control of their daily lives."Teacher: Michael
Many articles taken from 'A word with the doctor', by Dr. John Windsor.
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