Migraine headaches are
a very common occurrence in some 28 million people in
the US alone. When they first start appearing, the sufferer
might not be able to tell the difference between migraines
and
headaches.
But a migraine headache is a throbbing or pulsating
headache which is often one sided – it can begin
in a specific area on one side of the head, then spread
and build up in intensity over the next couple of hours.
It may well be accompanied by nausea, vomiting and sensitivity
to light or sound. Hands and feet may feel cold or sweaty.
Migraine headaches can be a very debilitating condition.
Migraine Headache Treatment
Studied carried out on those seeking migraine
headache treatment have suggested that there may
be a migraine personality as many migraine sufferers
have one or more of the following characteristics:
o Perfectionist
o Highly strung
o Conscientious
o Orderly
o Analytical
o Critical
These characteristics may in turn help the sufferer
to understand why migraine
triggers causes the onset of migraine headaches.
While there is no cure for migraine headaches, there
are many ways in which the condition can be managed
and treated and these include controlling some of
the triggers listed below:
o Fluorescent lighting or computer screen glare.
o Smells - especially fragrances and perfumes worn
by others.
o Smokers – such as having to be in close proximity
to smokers;
o Noise – such as when working and concentrating
in an area where there is loud and repetitive sound.
o Disruption to sleep patterns or lack of sleep.
o Hunger.
o Certain foods.
o Medications – both over the counter and prescription.
o Stress.
o The weather.
o Air pressure.
o Menstrual cycles or hormonal changes.
If you are suffering from migraines, it may well
be that you need to make a significant change in your
lifestyle. Here are some of the changes that could
make all the difference:
o Identify the triggers for your migraines and avoid
these triggers.
o Establish regular sleeping hours and ensure you
get enough sleep even when on holiday or over weekends.
o Try to sleep in a quiet and dark room.
o Take regular exercise and if necessary, exercise
under the supervision of a trainer.
o Learn and follow stress management techniques.
o Learn and follow a relaxation routine.
o Try to avoid taking tea, coffee or cola drinks before
going to sleep.
o Avoid heavy meals as well as food that triggers
migraines before going to sleep
o If you are a diabetic, in addition to being a migraine
sufferer, then eat small amounts of food frequently.
If you are diagnosed with migraine, your doctor will
inform you of the different migraine
pain relief medications which can be prescribed,
together with any possible side effects. He will monitor
symptoms
like nausea and vomiting. There are two types of medicine
used for treating migraines – namely prophylactic
medication (taken every day to reduce the severity
and frequency) while the other is abortive medication
(only taken if a migraine begins).
Some complementary treatments for migraines include:
o Botox has been used with success for reducing the
frequency and intensity of migraine attacks.
o Acupuncture has offered relief and a better quality
of life to some sufferers.
o Chiropractic massage, spinal manipulation and periodic
adjustment of joints and soft tissue has had some
positive results.
o Natural healing products produced from essentials
oils and applied to the forehead, neck, temples and
soles of the feet to start the healing process has
proved effective in treating migraine headaches.
It is important to treat a migraine as soon as it
occurs and, while the treatment is doing its work,
drink plenty of water and then rest quietly in a darkened
room.
Go
to our Migraine and Headache Treatment page
