Migraines can be debilitating, and proper migraine management is vital in order to ward off further attacks. Your physician (or neurologist) should devise a treatment plan with both acute and preventive solutions in mind.
Migraines remain unknown in terms of cause, though they tend to run in biological families and occur more often among women than men. If possible, your GP may suggest avoiding triggers like bright lights and loud noises as well as keeping a migraine diary for further information.
Avoiding triggers
Migraines may be caused by exposure to bright lights, loud noises or strong odors; or food additives like nitrates and MSG; processed or cured foods such as hot dogs and pepperoni may also trigger migraines. Maintaining a headache journal helps identify patterns and triggers; your healthcare provider may suggest limiting or avoiding these stimuli altogether.
Exercise, particularly cardiovascular exercises, releases natural pain-blocking chemicals that may help relieve migraine symptoms. Your provider will guide you as to which level of exercise would best help manage them.
Women of childbearing age often experience monthly fluctuations in estrogen levels that cause severe headaches. Furthermore, certain hormonal conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) increase their risk for headaches further.
Getting plenty of sleep
Migraines can be debilitating. Though scientists are still exploring what causes migraines, sleep appears to play an integral part in its formation.
One theory suggests a metabolic imbalance is to blame. Another suggests a small brain region known as the suprachiasmatic nucleus — responsible for managing circadian rhythm of behavior, physiology and emotion — plays an essential part in migraine attacks.
The latest study, which polled thousands of people about their real-time sleeping habits, provided new insights into this relationship and gathered more accurate data than earlier self-reporting efforts.
Get plenty of uninterrupted sleep, and avoid caffeine or alcohol in the hours leading up to bed. Also try sticking to a regular eating and exercise schedule – exercise helps regulate your biological clock and can even help speed up sleep times!
Avoiding over-the-counter pain relievers
At-home pain relievers may help ease migraine symptoms, while caffeine, aspirin, and naproxen should all be avoided to make matters better. Natural treatments like magnesium or butterbur may also help. Please remember to only take these medications under medical supervision and always read labels thoroughly.
Migraine treatments vary, from acute therapy that relieves symptoms to medications taken daily to prevent future attacks (preventative therapy), with some drugs even serving both purposes simultaneously.
Other migraine remedies include eating healthily by cutting back on processed and sugary beverages, exercising regularly and sleeping soundly; keeping track of headaches by using apps available on smartphones; Acupuncture can also help manage migraines when performed under supervision by trained providers; CT scans can provide useful images that reveal any possible medical issues that might be contributing to migraines, such as tumors or bleeding in your brain.
Talking to your doctor
Migraine symptoms can often be so intense that seeing a doctor as soon as possible is essential to finding relief. You may need to try various medicines before finding one that suits you; communication between you and your physician will be key for effective care. To prepare for an appointment with your physician, write down all symptoms you experience, such as when they occur and any triggers. Be sure to include all over-the-counter or prescription medicines you take along with vitamins or supplements you take for further reference during your consultation appointment.
Your doctor will want to learn about your migraine history, so bring any relevant medical records. They may ask about frequency, length and cause; in addition to any symptoms such as nausea or vomiting and how they affect life.
For migraine prevention, it’s vital to get enough restful sleep and consume meals on an irregular schedule. Furthermore, stress reduction techniques like yoga or meditation may further lower the risk.
