The abrupt migraine attack means you need a cold towel and a comfortable bed in a dark bedroom. Many people feel beforehand its primary symptoms. Due to these signs you can choose preventative remedies to avoid the problem. Every person has their own indications, but there are frequent symptoms that people with migraine feel. If you can determine your triggers, it’s possible to prevent your future headaches.
Medicine overdose. If you often have migraines, the specialist prescribes medications. It seems to be a vicious circle, but the latter can provoke even stronger headaches (Medication Overuse Headache – MOH). If you have this problem – give up taking the medication. It’s important to know how to come off certain medicines like remedies with butalbital or opioids.
Some scents mobilize nerve receptors inside the nasal passages, that may cause attacks or worsen them. Osmophobia happens often during the migraine. Don’t use strong perfumes, gasoline and chemicals and avoid food smells. Don’t be shy to ask your colleagues not to wear too saturated perfumes.
Many migraine patients complain that the daylight irritates them. This is photophobia, one of the most popular symptoms of the illness. Not only natural light brings discomfort, but flickering or fluorescent bulbs too. Wear sunglasses and if you are sitting in a room with artificial light – be closer to the windows and don’t use flickering lights. Green light is the only one that doesn’t aggravate migraine. Choose the sunglasses which reflect every colour of the light except the green one.
Dehydration. Many patients having migraine think that this illness worsens because of dehydration. The latter often provokes whirling sensation and other uncomfortable feelings. Always keep a bottle of water with you. Sometimes it’s possible to get rid of the affliction just by drinking some water. Restrict taking diuretics.
There is a certain list of food, containing the components leading to migraine attacks. Among them: products with MSG and histamine, artificial sweeteners (aspartame), chocolate, cheese and many other dairy products, sausages, caffeine and everything that has a strong smell. If you know it for sure that certain products provoke your migraine – don’t consume them. Lots of patients with this affliction stick to a special diet.
Changeable weather. Heat wave, storms and barometric pressure oscillations provoke migraine. The heat and high level of humidity cause dehydration, which is another trigger. Of course, we can’t influence the weather conditions, so postpone your walks if possible or change your daily schedule. Also try to fulfill your tasks early in the morning before the heat gets unbearable.
Alcohol and caffeine. Some people think migraine signs aggravate after drinking caffeine or alcohol. Others say a cup of coffee rids of migraine indications. Some medicines against this discomfort contain a certain amount of caffeine. It’s generally accepted that red wine is one of the triggers. Though the researches show that actually all kinds of alcohol provoke the illness.
It’s a well-known fact that women have migraine three times more often than men. About 75 % of women admit they have attacks during the periods. This is a «menstrual migraine» caused by progesterone and estrogen changes. It’s necessary to stick to a diet and improve your lifestyle. Plus there are certain ways of stabilizing the hormone levels for avoiding future migraine attacks. Consult a gynecologist or a headache specialist to determine the right cure.
An irregular sleep schedule. Sound sleep renews every part of the body and our brain too. So it’s especially important to regulate your sleep schedule. About a half of the attacks take place between 4:00 and 9:00 am, often provoking a sleep disorder. Try to rest for at least 7-8 hours and go to bed at the same time. Simply relax when you are in bed. Don’t sleep in the afternoon.
Stress. It’s one of the strongest factors provoking the affliction. If you are always worried thinking about the next attack it becomes a never-ending, tiring cycle, a real vicious circle. So you understand how important it is to think positively and to have the same attitude towards the world. Otherwise you’ll suffer from migraine very often.
Learn more about migraine and its triggers at National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).