5 Tips For Instant Migraine Relief:
Strenuous physical activity, dehydration, alcohol, caffeine, stress, weather changes, and hormonal fluctuations can all contribute to attacks, she notes. So if you encountered any of those things in the days leading up to an episode, record it. This can help you and your doctor spot potential patterns (say, you see an uptick of issues near your period), Dr. Preston explains. You can store info in a written journal, the Notes app on your phone, or via an app like Migraine Monitor. People who experience a postdromal migraine phase may feel fatigued, mentally foggy, and experience aches throughout the body. This phase typically lasts for about six hours following the end of a migraine.
The device is an external trigeminal nerve stimulation device, meaning it stimulates the nerve endings of the trigeminal nerve, which is often involved in migraine. Users attach the device to their forehead with an adhesive electrode. Ask your health care provider if these medications are right for you. Some of these medications are not safe to take during pregnancy. If you’re pregnant or trying to get pregnant, don’t use any of these medications without first talking with your provider.
These intense headaches are characterized by a throbbing or pulsing feeling that usually occurs on one side of the head and can be accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light. We hope that you will find these instant migraine relief methods useful. Though some migraine attacks can happen suddenly and without warning, you can make certain tweaks to your daily routine’and try longer-term preventive meds’to help break this cycle. As for putting cold therapy into practice, Dr. Preston recommends resting with your eyes closed with some type of cold compress on your head for 30 minutes or so. You can also replace the cold item with a heating pad on your head or neck if that feels better.
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. If you need help finding a primary care doctor, try this then check out our FindCare tool here. While most of the studies used ginger powders, there are all kinds of products that might offer relief, including teas and candies.
The next time you feel one of those migraine attacks beginning to sneak up, don’t panic ‘ instead, just remember to CHILL. People with severe or chronic migraine may need to avoid caffeine, as it may cause medication-overuse headaches. However, over-reliance on caffeine as a treatment may reduce how effective it is, and people may experience withdrawal symptoms. Taking steps such as resting in a dark, quiet space and taking medications may help to provide quick migraine relief. It’s a neurological illness that might cause the sufferer to spend a lot of time in bed because of the intense head pain it causes. In addition to a strong headache, migraines can include vomiting, nausea, visual problems or momentary blindness, irritability, tingling and numbness, difficulty speaking, fatigue, etc.
Certain exercises can also help improve healthy blood flow and target specific areas of weakness to help strengthen and stabilize your muscles. A common migraine trigger is not drinking sufficient water, and even moderate dehydration can cause a migraine. To prevent dehydration, individuals should aim to drink plenty of water each day. To restore lost electrolytes, people with serious dehydration issues may need an oral rehydration liquid at first.
Some over-the-counter (OTC) medications can work to inhibit the inflammation and pain that builds during migraines, according to Dr. Ailani. OTC options include acetaminophen, ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen and combination medications like acetaminophen with aspirin and caffeine. You’ll probably first see a primary care provider, who might then refer you to a provider trained you could try this out in evaluating and treating headaches, called a neurologist. Ask your health care provider if these treatments are right for you. If you’re pregnant, don’t use any of these treatments without first talking with your provider. A useful acupressure point for headaches is the LI-4 point, which is in the space between the base of the left thumb and the index finger.
These medications can also potentially narrow the blood vessels, so people with a history of stroke, heart attack, ministrokes or uncontrolled hypertension should not take triptans. This led to a paradigm shift in the treatment of migraine that started in 2018, when the first CGRP monoclonal antibody for the prevention of migraine was FDA approved. It was the advent of targeted treatment options that are specifically designed for migraine. Find a dark, quiet room by turning off lights, closing curtains, and minimizing noise. It promotes better sleep, reduces stress, and enhances focus. Whether for a short break or a good night’s sleep, a dark, quiet room contributes to a more peaceful experience.
Our hypothesis of a migraine-specific drug being better tolerated has proven to be true. With the drugs that were designed for other conditions, there might be more side effects. But with the CGRP monoclonal antibodies in the clinical trials, we found that there were few side effects. One side effect is an injection site reaction, as three of these drugs are given as monthly or quarterly injections.
Although quite effective, these drugs can cause side effects such as nausea and dizziness, which can make it difficult to stick to the treatment. It’s important to understand how dehydration affects migraines. Not drinking enough water can trigger or worsen migraines by affecting the brain and blood flow. Proper hydration is crucial for overall health and can help prevent migraines. Recognizing this connection allows people to take steps to stay hydrated, potentially reducing the occurrence and intensity of migraines.
Moderation is key with caffeine, but it helps many people find relief. Until recently, avoiding migraine triggers was considered the best advice. But new research suggests this may actually increase sensitivity to potential triggers.
Stress is a major migraine trigger, and there’s nothing like a hectic day on the job to stress you out. Take a difficult boss and throw in some impossible deadlines, and you have the recipe for a monster migraine. One of the reasons migraine is so stigmatized is that no one can see your pain. It’s easy for other people to write off migraine as a headache that’s no big deal, which can make it a sticky subject to discuss at work.
Some research has found that rubbing a bit of Tiger Balm, an ointment usually used for muscle aches, on your temples can help relieve tension headaches. While migraines aren’t the same as tension headaches, Dr. Natbony says some migraine patients find Tiger Balm to be effective, and it can’t hurt to try. Lavender and peppermint oils can be helpful active in providing pain relief, according to research. Studies are limited, says Dr. Natbony, but it really can’t hurt to see if they work for you. She recommends buying essential oil sticks that you can roll on your temples or wrist during a migraine. Just remember to never apply undiluted essential oil to your skin ‘ it can cause a very bad reaction.
Simple foods like whole grain toast, oatmeal, eggs or yogurt provide substance without an overly full feeling. Bananas have compounds that regulate neurotransmitters tied to head pain. Leafy greens like spinach or kale pack helpful magnesium too. Staying hydrated with vegetable broth or electrolyte water is great as well.