Migraines are severe headaches. They can be triggered by stress, lack of sleep, over exertion, prolonged hunger, toothache, hormonal change, sinus pain, shock, depression,anxiety, or excitement. Sometimes they can be triggered by food such as chocolate, cocoa products, caffeine, MSG, alcohol, tannins, artificial sweeteners, and dairy products. The key is to figure out what your trigger is and to stay away from it. Sometimes things like stress are hard to stay away from. I have some helpful hints to try to calm the migraines once they start but they are not to replace medicine. They can help and stop the migraines but for some people like myself they only dull them. One thing is once you feel a migraine coming on get to a dark room with no strong smells (ex. cigarettes, candles, room deodorizers, etc.) The room should be quiet. No radio, no children, no t.v if possible. Get a cold cloth or ice pack and put it over your eyes and keep your eyes open. Closing your eyes uses extra jaw and facial muscles that can make the migraine worse. Try some relaxing breathing because the pain can cause the heart to beat faster and can make the migraine worse. One thing that I just found out about that i heard works is pure lavender oil. Nothing lavender scented you need pure lavender oil. When you feel the migraine coming on put two drops on your temples and a few drops on the pillow that you are going to lay on and breathe it in. It is suppose to calm the pain almost immediately. When I feel a migraine coming on I take my medication ( like I said this is to help until the medication kicks in) then take a hot shower with the light off. Not suggested if you are the only one home in case you slip.If your migraine continues seek medical help. It can be signs of a more serious problem. Again these suggestions are not to take the place of medical advice or treatment.