Migraine pain can be horrible. The unpleasant symptoms associated with a migraine headache can be unbearable.The symptoms vary from person to person, there are different types of migraines and a migraine cure is priceless. But there are things you can do to help or even prevent them.
Migraine Symptoms: How to Tell If It Is a Migraine
While not limited to just a migraine, common symptoms include:
- Intense throbbing or dull ache on one or both sides of your head
- Sensitivity to light and sound or noise,
- Nausea or feeling sick at your stomach.
- Tender scalp
- Feeling tired or confused
- Stiff neck
How Long Do Migraines Last?
Migraines can last anywhere from a few hours to several days, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. The headaches can be as infrequent as one or two a year or happen every day.
Migraine Treatments: Help for Migraines
Some common tips for managing migraine pain include:
- Ice packs, applied to your forehead (wrapped in a towel so it's not too cold) for 5-10 minute intervals. This constricts the blood vessels. Some people will soak their feet in warm water at the same time to add to the relief.
- Non-prescription pain medication. Different combinations of over-the-counter migraine pain relievers include aspirin mixed with acetaminophen (Tylenol) and sometimes caffeine. Some contain ibuprofen too. Always check with your health care provider to make sure these are safe for you to take.
- Massage the scalp. Relaxing the scalp can help ease the pain.
- Avoid noise and light. Laying down in a dark room helps ease pain and nausea. Going to sleep will sometimes help get rid of the migraine, too.
- Many new prescription medications are available for migraines. Some of the brand name prescriptions include Maxalt, Amerge, Imitrex, Zomig, Axert and Frova. You and your doctor may need to try several types before finding the right one for your pain.
Help Prevent Migraines
There are things you can do to help avoid future headaches.
- Many foods can trigger migraines. A good list can be found at helpforheadaches.com
- Get plenty of rest. Sleep deprivation is a common cause of migraines.
- Cut out fat. Studies have shown when we have excess fat in our bloodstream, hormone levels can fluctuate and hormone fluctuation is linked to migraines.
- Certain sounds and lights can trigger migraines in individuals. Avoid them if you notice a pattern.
Other Home Remedies for Migraine Pain
Different things work for different people. Success to avoiding or helping with migraines has been attributed to:
- Feverfew (taken for pain or to avoid migraines)
- Cuttlefish
- Buterbur extract
- CoQ10
- Fish Oil
- Ginko
- Peppermint
- Capsaicin (Cayenne)
- Valerian
- Chamomile
- Willow
Some people find relief by soaking feet in a tub filled with enough warm water to cover the ankles. At the same time, hold a cold compress on the forehead. This simple method can dull or sometimes stop a migraine.
Always check with your physician before taking any medications or herbs. Migraines can be very different, there are many causes and many types of headaches. It may take awhile to figure out the best method to manage your pain, but it can be done.
Elizabeth Richards - Elizabeth Richards has published almost 200 articles for Suite101 since 2007 as a Contributing and Feature Writer.
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