Knowing what triggers migraines in your case can help you to avoid them, at least for some of the time.  Your doctor may prescribe drugs like beta-blockers, antidepressants or special anti-migraine drugs. 

There are also drugs available for halting a migraine once it has begun and these include triptan medications, such as sumatriptan.  These tend not to be very successful for the people who suffer severe attacks frequently. 

Your doctor may also prescribe drugs for general pain relief and for controlling the nausea.  Over the counter drugs include aspirin, ibuprofen etc.

Natural remedies have fewer side effects than prescription medications and can work very well to bring relief.  Acupuncture, healing, aromatherapy, craniosacral therapy, osteopathy, chiropractic, hypnotherapy, biofeedback and relaxation/meditation, have all been shown to benefit migraine sufferers. 
Supplements can help ease migraine. Because magnesium and calcium help to maintain healthy blood vessels, they may be taken long term if you suffer from migraines. There are supplements that may be useful in reducing the intensity and frequency of attacks. 

The herb feverfew, one of the most popular migraine remedies, has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.  Feverfew is best taken in tincture form and combined with the herb passiflora.  5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan), an amino acid derivative, helps boost serotonin levels in the brain, and has been found to prevent migraines effectively.  These may need to be taken daily over several months for maximum benefit.  (5-HTP should be used with caution when using certain antidepressants, called SSRI drugs.)

Noni (Indian mulberry) juice contains scopoletin, which is thought to bind to serotonin receptors and may be helpful as a supplement as it also has analgesic and sedative properties.  For people who suffer regular attacks try supplementing your diet with the B vitamin riboflavin, vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acid and pantothenic acid.

Self-help remedies to cope with an attack

• Try an ice pack, the cold may help to numb the pain and contract dilated blood vessels
• Rest in a dark, quiet room.
• Massage the temples with rosemary oil or peppermint oil. Using a circular motion, massage your temples, then massage/stroke over the eyebrows, starting from the bridge of the nose and stroking outwards towards the temples, then continuing over your ears and down your neck.
• Drink an infusion of the herb skullcap, 1 heaped teaspoon of the herb to 1 cup of  hot water; you can drink up to 4 cups of this infusion a day while the migraine persists.
• Exercising regularly can reduce the frequency and severity of migraine headaches. Try Tai Chi, Chi Kung or Yoga.

Migraine may also be caused by food sensitivities, candida overgrowth or hormonal imbalances.   For women with premenstrual linked migraines adding the herb agnus castus to a feverfew and passiflora herbal tincture may help to alleviate symptoms. 

Fluctuating blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) can be a trigger in migraine attacks. For helping to control hypoglycaemia eat regularly, every four or five hours at least, increase the protein content of your diet, eat smaller meals more frequently and always eat breakfast.

In Ayurveda
Migraine is considered to be mainly a pitta imbalance, so following a pitta pacifying diet and avoiding bright sunlight can help.  An Ayurvedic exercise to relieve the painful pressure is to gently squeeze your earlobes while pulling the ears down a little, and yawn at the same time.

When to call a Doctor
If you have a fever, neck stiffness, confusion, slurred speech, or loss of speech, then call a doctor.  In a small number of cases, a severe headache could be the sign of a serious medical problem, such as meningitis, high blood pressure, a concussion, or a stroke.