The first step in treating migraines, is knowing whether your headaches are, in fact, migraines. Your doctor will ask about your family and medical history, and may also run some routine tests. These may include an MRI or CT scan which create images of the brain and other parts of the body. If your headaches are actually migraine attacks, there are things you can do to prevent, or at least reduce the number of migraines you’ll develop. First, avoid migraine triggers. These can includ sensory stimulus like bright lights, sun glare, loud noises or even certain smells; changes in the weather which may affect travelers. Stress is a big factor. Some people will get migraines when they are under heightened stress. Foods and drinks, like caffeine, MSG, Alcohol, especially wine and beer, certain seasonings and processed foods. Smoking and medications can cause migraines as a side effect, so talk to your doctor if you’re worried about this. And, Hormonal changes, especially in women. This can happen around the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and even menopause. Since birth control pills contain estrogen, these too may trigger migraines in some women. You can’t control the natural hormones your body produces, but you can work with your doctor if you take birth control, or use a hormone replacement therapy. But for people who despite avoiding triggers still feel migraine pain, treatment is available and, these are getting better as science and research reveal more about the causes of migraines.