Avoidance of Triggers

In some cases of CVS, avoiding identified dietary triggers such as chocolate, cheese, and monosodium glutamate (MSG) can prevent episodes without the use of medication.If psychological stressors trigger episodes, stress management techniques or benzodiazepine anxiolytics (eg, lorazepam or diazepam) may help to abort attacks in the early stages. However, avoiding common triggers such as car rides and infection may be impractical or impossible.

Sleep deprivation is also cited as a common trigger for patients with CVS and proper sleep hygiene should also be emphasized. Interestingly, a 70% decrease in frequency of episodes (placebo effect) on consultation and lifestyle changes without drug therapy has been noted.