Helpful Tips on Managing Migraines

When someone suffers from something like a heart attack, it is easy to assess the situation, since you know that there is a problem with the heart and likely the blood vessels surrounding it. When someone suffers from excruciating headaches, however, the cause may be much more difficult to pinpoint. What is even more frustrating is that the treatment options may be all over the map, requiring a lot of trial and error on the part of the patient. These painful circumstances are what many migraine sufferers must endure on a daily basis.

What makes migraines so difficult to manage in the beginning is that they are notoriously difficult to diagnose. Many of the most common migraine symptoms, such as nausea, dizziness, visual problems, pain, and sensitivity to light and sound, are the same symptoms pronounced in other conditions like cardiovascular problems or epilepsy. This lack of a sound diagnosis can then lead to other problems if a person is unable to manage the migraine pain adequately. Neurosurgeons have noted that if headache pain is left untreated or not effectively treated for a long amount of time, an individual may become more susceptible to pain over time as his/her pain threshold has been lowered. Conversely, some people over-medicate themselves for the pain associated with migraines. This can cause the condition to worsen and individuals may even experience more headaches due to the drug over-use. Finally, migraines can be problematic because treatment options vary from individual to individual. What may work for one person may do nothing to help another; therefore, some migraine sufferers must endure a litany of therapies before they find one that is suited to their particular condition.

With all of these problems, what can you do to manage your migraines? The following are some strategies to help you out.

Get a Proper Diagnosis:

If you suffer from debilitating headaches that cannot be managed by over the counter medications, you need to seek the advice of a health professional. You may have to find a specialist to diagnose the problem, rather than a primary care doctor. If you want to look beyond your family practitioner, you can locate a certified headache specialist through the Migraine Research Foundation’s website. Although these specialists are board certified on headaches, it is necessary for you to be your own best advocate. This means that you need to be frank with your doctor about your symptoms, as trivial or embarrassing as they may seem. You also need to be honest with your doctor even if he/she is not someone you feel comfortable with. You can always find a different doctor, but you only have this one life and body. Make sure to find a specialist that listens to you and answers any questions you may have. A specialist will probably rule out any other possible causes of your headaches by asking numerous questions. Once a migraine diagnosis has been made, you can then discuss treatment options.

Treatment Options:

The treatment available to patients suffering with migraines is as varied and individual as the people themselves. It is highly likely that you will have to test different options in order to find one that works for you. Most doctors will put a patient on a triptan drug after an initial diagnosis. Triptans work by controlling brain cell reactions that contribute to the development of migraines. Some people do not respond to these drugs and can then take ergot-related drugs, which work in the same manner. Even in the triptan family of drugs, it may take a while to find one that works for you. If you do not feel that you are responding well to a particular drug, let your doctor know so that he can prescribe a different form. Doctors also prescribe preventative drugs, such as anti-seizure medication, and natural remedies, such as magnesium, to help control migraines and manage the pain associated with them. With any treatment option, make certain to talk with your doctor about your reaction to them and side effects that you may experience. Additionally, do not be discouraged if the first medication or supplement you take does not work. There are many options available and by narrowing down your responses, you will find the one that works specifically for your needs.

Environmental Factors:

Migraines can occur due to environmental circumstances, such as stressful situations, food, noise, and bad weather. It is important to recognize what factors trigger your migraines. It may be necessary to keep a journal of your migraines and what was occurring in the days leading up to the migraine. This may be one of the most important factors in managing your migraines, as they help to prevent them from occurring in the first place. It may also be necessary for you to keep your routine predictable, rather than ever-changing, as jarring events can also trigger migraines.

Migraines can be very painful and often debilitating. Taking your healthcare into your own hands and advocating on your behalf can make a world of difference. Put these suggestions into practice and perhaps your migraines can become easier managed.