Share If you get migraines – or have a close friend or family member who does – you may think you already know how to deal with them, or perhaps you have even given up trying to alleviate them. Here's the good news: There are new medications and treatments that can really help, says Dr. Michael Zitney, director of the Headache and Pain Relief Centre in Toronto. Here's what you need to know about managing migraines. Know your triggers Some of the most common migraine triggers include hormonal fluctuations, weather changes, stress – or the letdown after stress – red wine, aged cheese, chemicals in food and drink (such as aspartame), strong odours, bright lights, too much or too little sleep, and irritation in your neck or jaw muscles. "Most migraines are not caused by one trigger – it's almost always a combination," says Zitney. While some things, such as the weather, are unavoidable, you can definitely limit your suffering by steering clear of your triggers and adapting your lifestyle. "Most people don't put enough emphasis on the things they can change," he says.