Migraines are something that can not be ignored. They are extremely severe headaches that can be accompanied by pulsing sensations in the head, nausea, vomiting and increased sensitivity to brightness or loud noises.
Whichever way they come for you, they are very serious. They can stop you from working, spending time with friends or family, or even going outside.
Let’s look at some of the ways you can create a support system and a strategy for yourself, if you are one of the billion people worldwide who suffer from these headaches.
- Learn about Prodome
Migraines are a chronic condition that affect a lot of your life. People experience symptoms up to several days before the onset of the headache. These can be widely different things such as changes in your mood, including sadness or euphoria. You could find it difficult to have a bowel movement, or that you are urinating a lot more than usual. You could also experience food cravings, bloating, increased yawning or a really stiff neck.
If you become aware of what these signs mean, you can better plan your care.
- Learn about Auras
There can be other warning signs that let you know there is going to be a migraine coming on. These are known as “auras” and they occur a day to several hours before the headache comes. Some people see abnormal lights, flashes or blind spots before the headache appears. Some people feel disturbances in their body instead, such as tingling or numbness.
If you are experiencing auras, you may want to alert the people in your life, and plan to be off the road when the migraine does set it.
- Learn about Postdome
This is the name for the aftermath of your headache. It can include fatigue and muscle pain. Moving the neck can create a lot of pain in this period as well. You may want to plan around this as well, if it is possible for you.
- Establish a Relationship with your Physician
The first thing you will need to do is establish your diagnosis. Book an appointment with a qualified doctor, who has experience with this condition. Your healthcare provider will help you understand what to expect, strategies for coping, possible lifestyle changes and the medications that are best suited to your struggles.
If you are experiencing a lot of pain, can not see clearly or can not stop vomiting due to your headache, then make sure to see a doctor or go to a hospital.
- Keep a Headache Log
There are countless suggestions out there for everything from dietary changes, caffeine intake limits and more. One of the most useful things you can do, though, is to keep track of your own experience. If you are suffering from migraines, start writing a diary that includes your headache stages and outbreaks. Be sure to include what is going on in your life, like what you are eating and drinking, the weather, your workload, your physical activity and your stressors in that period.