Migraines are painful headaches caused by pressure or inflammation in the brain. They often cause nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. While migraine attacks are usually short-lived, they can last several days and interfere with daily activities such as studying, working, and sleeping.
About 11% of Americans suffer from migraines at some point in their lives. If you experience frequent migraines, these top ten ways to reduce migraine might help.
There are over 100 migraine headache types, each having unique characteristics. The most common styles include classic migraine (with aura), common migraine without aura, chronic migraine, cluster headache, hemicrania continua, and ophthalmoplegic migraine. The most effective migraine treatment is prevention.
The exact causes of migraine headaches are not known. However, there are many theories about what may trigger a migraine attack. Some people believe that stress plays a role in triggering migraine attacks. Others think certain foods or drinks like chocolate, coffee, alcohol, citrus fruits, or red wine may trigger. Other factors include hormonal changes during pregnancy and sleep.
The underlying mechanism causing a migraine is still not fully understood. However, there are many theories on what causes it. One idea says that when blood vessels inside the head become narrower due to hormone changes, this triggers an abnormal electrical activity within the brain which then causes pain. Another theory suggests that when the body stores too much serotonin, it sends signals triggering migraine symptoms. Some people think that stress plays a role in triggering migraine attacks.
Getting your baseline investigations first done to rule out any organic cause is essential. You may start with our most famous crucial health check.
Treatment of migraine includes medications, lifestyle changes, and complementary therapies. Medications to treat migraine include beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, anticonvulsants, triptans, and antidepressants. These drugs relieve pain and prevent further attacks. Other treatments focus on reducing stress and improving sleep habits.
1. Avoid caffeine: Caffeine has been associated with migraine attacks in a small percentage of people. It also may worsen symptoms in those who have them.
2. Eat foods rich in vitamin B6: Vitamin B6 helps your body metabolize serotonin, a chemical essential in regulating moods and pain. Foods high in vitamin B6 include chicken liver, turkey, salmon, tuna, beans, and peas.
3. Get regular exercise: Exercise increases blood flow to your head, which reduces pressure on cranial nerves. In addition, it improves muscle tone and posture, both of which contribute to lessening symptoms. Exercise also stimulates the production of endorphins, natural chemicals that relieve pain.
4. Drink plenty of For those who have already had a migraine attack, there are many options for pain relief. Medications that treat both migraine and tension-type headaches are available.
5. Take magnesium supplements: Magnesium deficiency is linked to migraines. Taking 400 mg of magnesium twice per day will help ease the symptoms.
6. Try relaxation techniques: Relaxation techniques can help treat migraine. Deep breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, massage therapy, and progressive relaxation offer benefits.
7. Use heat packs: Heat applied directly to the forehead can temporarily relieve migraine. A heating pad placed over the earlobe works well.
8. Take aspirin: Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) is often taken before bedtime as a preventive measure because it relieves headache pain by blocking the action of prostaglandins, substances produced naturally in the body that cause inflammation.
9. Treat depression: Depression is common among migraine sufferers. Studies show that depression may make migraine worse. If you’re depressed, talk to your doctor about whether medication would benefit you.
10. Seek medical attention: See your doctor if you experience frequent migraines. They may perform tests to determine if any other health problems are causing your headaches.
