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Does Migraine Pain Spook You?

If you suffer from migraines, an attack is always lurking in shadows, waiting to strike. Just when you’re starting to feel like your old self again, you schedule plans, and BAM! Your fun night out is traded in for a dark room under the covers, riding out the head pain and other symptoms. Does migraine pain spook you? Well, we have some tips that can help before, during, and after a migraine.

Before

For many individuals, there are a series of symptoms, habits, and signs that occur hours or even days before a migraine starts. If you can recognize these early warnings, you can be proactive in taking a rescue medication or taking other steps that may cut down on the duration of the attack or potentially prevent it.

We will mention a headache diary again a bit later, but it is critical in managing migraines better. You can record any symptoms you recall experiencing so you can identify any patterns you can use for prevention. If you feel a migraine coming on, you try some of these ideas that may help lessen the chances of a full-blown migraine:

  • Follow your doctor’s treatment plan, which may include rescue medications or ones that help with dizziness and nausea
  • Set up a calm environment in a dark room
  • Apply hot or cold compresses to the neck
  • Get plenty of sleep

During

Even with the best of plans, some migraines are not avoidable. Making yourself as comfortable as possible is a given but riding out the pain isn’t ever easy. However, you can take steps during a migraine that can provide some relief and ease the time during an attack. These include:

  • Keep hydrated. Add a slice of lime or lemon, or other fruit to change things up.
  • Sleep when you can.
  • Meditate, or practice breathing techniques to distract your mind from and help with the pain.
  • Avoid alcohol or caffeinated beverages.
  • Try to eat well most of the day.

After

Giving yourself enough time and grace to recoup after a migraine is critical. During this time, you want to journal your experience each time in your headache diary. This information can be used to identify any possible triggers and information your doctor can use to refine your treatment approach.

You can also use your experiences to create a migraine “toolkit” of sorts. Note what helped and what didn’t. It can include a list of your favorite movies, affirmations, and breathing exercises.

Future Migraines

If you suffer from migraines, clinical trials looking into potential new options may help. Research volunteers have the opportunity to gain access to potential new therapies while they help advance migraine treatments. To learn more about enrolling in migraine research studies here at Seattle Women’s, call us at (206) 522-3330 or visit our website today!

Sources:

https://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/understanding-migraines/ease-migraine-pain/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/in-depth/migraines/art-20047242

https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000420.htm

 

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