Medication: Besides lowering blood pressure, beta-blockers can help prevent migraines from getting started, as can drugs that relax muscles and calm hypersensitive nerves—including antiseizure drugs and even botox.

Alternative strategies: Because stress is a major trigger, many migraine sufferers have cut down on attacks by reducing their stress level. Yoga, meditation and biofeedback can decrease stress-hormone levels and keep them low.

Get the Magazine - Try 4 Issues Free! | Click here to return to TIME.com