Migraines can catch you off guard, and put you down for an entire day if not treated. The severity of migraines can range from minor to severe, and they are usually described as dull, deep, and steady. Migraines are a type of headache that is often localized in a certain area of the head and are sometimes accompanied by a pronounced sensitivity to light and sound. More common with women than men, they are noted to be a chronic, incurable condition. (Zimney, 1). There is an abundance of at home remedies to look at when dealing with migraine pain. Below is a list of the types of migraines you might experience and some simple remedies to deal with them.
…Migraines can be very unforgiving, so it is important to stay ahead of them by preparing and having a plan of action. Migraines do not like commotion, so boring is best when a migraine hits. Slow down and stay calm.
Types of Migraines:
- Migraine with aura: A migraine that beings with certain neurological symptoms that trigger visual disturbances (tunnel vision, jagged edges around the edge of the visual field). The headache follows after about 93% of the time. These are the most common.
- Hemiplegic migraine: The patient will have vertigo, paralysis of one side of the body, and visual impairments.
- Ophthalmologic migraine: This is a rare form of migraine. This happens when the headache is localized around the eye. Symptoms may include droopy eyelids or visual problems.
- Basilar artery migraine: Results from a spasm in the basilar artery. This can cause vertigo, poor motor skills, and difficulty speaking and hearing.
- Benign exertional headache: A vascular headache triggered by physical exertion. This type of migraine usually only lasts a couple of minutes.
- Status migrainosus:An extremely intense migraine that makes the person feel nauseated and pain so intense it may require hospitalization.
- Headache-free migraine: Just as it sounds. The person will experience the side effects of a migraine (visual loss, vomiting, and nausea) with no headache afterward. (Zimney,1).
Migraines can be triggered by a number of things. Some include: Stress, alcohol, certain foods, and not getting enough exercise. Others (for women) include time near to their menstruation cycle. Because of the steep decline of estrogen during this time, migraines are then sparked. Not getting enough sleep is also a trigger that can make migraines more frequent and more intense.
There are a number of over-the-counter drugs you can take to relieve your pain, as well as some non-drug related remedies. If the home remedies do not work, consult a doctor who may be able to prescribe you proper treatments.
Home remedies to quicker relief:
- Managing Stress Levels: This can ease the onset of a migraine before it happens. Lavender oil, calming music, and low light can help ease stress. If you work in an office setting, you can bring lavender oil to work and rub it near your temples. When you experience migraines you can have sensitivity to light, so dimming your lights can give your eyes a rest as well as offset migraine pain.
- Essential Oils: Basil and peppermint oils are said to ease tension headache when rubbed on the skin such as near the temples, chest, and under the nose. Peppermint oils are said to have vaso-constricting and vasodilating properties which help control the flow of blood in the body. They also help open up the sinuses to promote proper breathing. Basil oil works as a muscle relaxant and eases the tension in the head caused by headaches and tight muscles.
- Diet Fixes: Foods such as peanut butter, dairy, chocolate, avocados, bananas, and citrus have been linked to migraines. Keeping a journal of food triggers can ease the future pain of migraines. Each person’s reactions are going to be different in this area, so knowing what food triggers set off your migraines by writing them down is key.
- Scalp Massage: Giving yourself a scalp massage has been known to alleviate migraine pain. Rub your temple area and the tops and sides of the cranium for relief. This can be done for as many minutes as needed.
- Consuming Flaxseed: Some migraines are caused by inflammation. Flaxseed contains omega-3’s that are high in healthy fats that can offset inflammation. Flaxseed can be ground up and taken in smoothies or mixed in with your favorite foods.
- Herb– Feverfew is known to alleviate migraines. This medicinal herb can be taken by the capsule, tablet, or liquid extract. It comes from a short bush with daisy-like flowers and is native to the Balkan Mountains of Eastern Europe. (Calabro, 1).
- Ice-Packs: Ice is used as an anti-inflammatory. When dealing with a migraine headache, always opt for cold versus hot to reduce swelling and inflammation.
Medications to Stop Pain:
- Tylenol
- Advil
- Bayer
- Excedrin
- Ibuprofen
Medications to Prevent a Migraine:
- Beta-blockers, such as propranolol.
- Calcium channel blockers, such as verapamil.
- Anticonvulsants, such as topiramate.
- Botox: Approved by the FDA in 2010, Botox injections to treat chronic migraines are a clinically proven preventive. A treatment involves about 31 shots, given about every 12 weeks. Side effects are rare. (Sole-Smith, 1).
Migraines can be very unforgiving, so it is important to stay ahead of them by preparing and having a plan of action. Migraines do not like commotion, so boring is best when a migraine hits. Slow down and stay calm. As stated earlier, nourishing your body and understanding what triggers your migraines can be helpful when trying to avoid their wrath. Lastly, make sure you keep on moving to your comfort level. Yoga can be very beneficial for people whose migraines are triggered by intense exercise. Talk to your doctor is the pain is unbearable, as they may be able to recommend different treatments or prescriptions to alleviate the pain.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. NewBodyWellness.com disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
References
- Zimney, E. (n.d.). 10 Key Questions About Migraines. Retrieved December 4, 2015, from https://www.everydayhealth.com/pain-management/headache/index.aspx
- Calabro, S. (n.d.). Home Remedies for Headache Treatment. Retrieved December 4, 2015, from https://www.everydayhealth.com/headache-migraine-pictures/8-home-remedies-for-headaches-and-migraines.aspx
- Migraine Headaches-Medications. (n.d.). Retrieved December 4, 2015, from https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/tc/migraine-headaches-medications
- Feature, G. (n.d.). Migraines: 5 Lifestyle Changes to Make. Retrieved December 4, 2015, from https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/features/lifestyle-and-migraine
- Sole-Smith, V. (n.d.). 16 Highly Effective Migraine Solutions. Retrieved December 4, 2015, from https://www.prevention.com/mind-body/natural-remedies/migraine-causes-and-cures