“I created this post as part of a campaign by Teva Pharmaceuticals. I received an American Express gift card for participating.”
There’s nothing worse than having a great week and then out of nowhere you’re down for two days because of a migraine. Migraines can come on fast but they don’t usually make a fast exit. Did you know that nearly 36 million Americans suffer from migraines? Sometimes the headache that comes with a migraine is only part of the problem. In addition to head pain, a migraine can include nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound, which are enough to put a migraine sufferer out of commission for hours or sometimes days. Making sure to properly track and document what you’re experiencing is important in finding the cause of the problem and the best way to manage migraines.
Here are a few tips for migraine sufferers!
Journal It. The best way to figure out a pattern is to document it. Write down every time a migraine hits. Track what potentially triggers your migraine; avoiding these things may lessen the frequency and/or severity of your migraine. When you consult with your doctor you’ll have all the info you need right in front of you.
Limit Caffeine. I’ve become quite the coffee drinker over the years. The easiest way for me to give myself a migraine is to think I can skip it one morning. If you don’t drink much caffeine normally having a lot of caffeine in a day can also cause one.
Sunglasses & Earplugs. Sometimes you’re not home when a migraine hits and all you need is darkness and quiet. In addition to your doctor-prescribed treatment create a migraine “kit” to prepare for a sudden attack. For example, sunglasses can help with light sensitivity, and a plastic bag or basin may be necessary if any nausea or vomiting occurs. This can at least help you manage until you can find comfort at home.
Sleep. This is a big one for me. I’m often thinking I can just sleep whenever. When my sleeping schedule is off I find I’m more inclined to end up with a migraine. This can mean too much or too little sleep. Try to go to sleep and wake up around the same time daily.
Don’t skip meals. If I’m rushing around I tend to skip meals. Skipping meals is a great way to trigger a headache. Keep small snacks on hand to keep your sugar levels from dropping and make sure to drink plenty of water so you don’t become dehydrated.
Limit Stress. One thing most migraine sufferers have in common is stress. Find a way to relax and unwind occasionally. Go for a walk or read a good book.
For more information make sure to check out the More to Migraine website or become a fan of their Facebook page for all their latest updates.
Do you have any tips of your own that could be helpful to migraine sufferers?
