Anyone who has experienced a migraine headache knows how debilitating they can be. Migraine headaches are characterized by extreme pain and pressure, usually over one eye or concentrated on one side of the head; sometimes they are accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light. An episode can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days, and render a person incapable of functioning.

The price one pays while having a migraine headache is not limited to physical pain. According to a recent study, fiscal pain can be an unfortunate consequence, since headaches often result in multiple trips to the doctor and missed days of work or school.

How can migraine headache suffers find relief for the pain without breaking the bank? The study's author suggests taking more preventative approaches. Such as:

" Decrease stress

" Affirm yourself: "I relax into the flow of life and let life provide all that I need easily and comfortably. Life is for me."

" Decrease Caffeine--drink decaffeinated tea/coffee and eliminate all other drinks with caffeine

" Discover any food allergies and eliminate those foods

" Eat Right for Your (Blood) Type

" Maintain healthy body weight

" 7 to 8 hours of sleep - preferably at least 1 hour of sleep before midnight

" Exercising at least 2 times a week

Resource: Stang, P.E., Crown, W.H., Bizier, R., et al. "The Family impact and costs of migraine," American Journal of Managed Care, May 2004:313-320.