(Sung to the tune of My Favorite Things)
    Chocolates and perfumes and roses with long stems
    Dinners with champagne and jewelry with fine gems
    
    These are the trinkets most get on this day
    But those with migraine can only pray
    
    They cause headaches
    And they tempt fates
    
    When exposed to these things
    So care must be taken to avoid cupid’s slings

 
Mt. Royal, NJ - Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged with loved ones.  While Valentine’s Day is a holiday that is supposed to be filled with fun and love, it can also serve as a difficult day for those who suffer with migraines
 
Valentine’s Day exposes those that sufferer from headache to a multitude of common triggers, such as too little sleep, alcohol and chocolate consumption, and exposure to the fragrance from flowers or perfumes.  
 
With a little planning, however, migraine sufferers can enjoy this day:
Avoid foods such as ripe cheeses, processed meats and MSG-containing foods, which can cause headaches in susceptible people says Lawrence Newman, MD, Director, the Headache Institute, Roosevelt Hospital and Secretary of the American Headache Society.
 
If you are going to indulge, do so in moderation.  In general, migraine sufferers are more susceptible to dark alcoholic beverages (red wine, whisky, etc).  Stick to white wine or champagne-but only 1 glass or less.
 
Inform your significant other if you have migraines that are triggered by smells.  Let them know which, if any, perfumes you can tolerate and which will trigger headaches.
 
Make sure you sleep enough, and limit your chocolate intake if you know these are your headache triggers.
 
Keep your medication with you.  Treating a migraine as soon as it starts is your best defense. Go to /tools/TriggerAvoidanceInformation.asp for a complete list of tips on what foods and lifestyles to avoid to help reduce your headaches.
 
About the American Headache Society®
The American Headache Society® is a professional organization for those health care professionals interested in the study and management of headache and face pain. The Society, based in Mt. Royal, N.J., has approximately 1,500 members. For more information, visit the Web site at www.AmericanHeadacheSociety.org. Individuals who would like more information about headache can click on the information for patients and the public tab on the web site menu.