4 Ways to Help Someone With a Migraine

1. Educate Yourself About Migraine Symptoms

If you haven't experienced a migraine, it's easy to dismiss it as a fictional or exaggerated condition. As a friend or relative of someone battling the condition, it's important to realize that a migraine isn't just a headache. It is a genetic, neurological disease affecting over 32 million Americans, and it's brought on by controlled or uncontrolled dietary, psychological and environmental triggers. Migraine symptoms include headaches, nausea, vomiting, tingling, light intolerance and speech difficulties, with some migraine sufferers likening their condition to having holes drilled through their skulls or sharp objects gouged into their eyes. Understanding the cause and severity of a migraine sufferer's pain will help you remain empathetic, even if you haven't faced the condition yourself. Each migraine sufferer has different condition triggers, whether they are food-related, environmental or physiological. Some people develop a migraine suddenly, while others experience preemptive aura symptoms that can last for hours or even days. Familiarizing yourself with a friend's or family member's triggers and aura symptoms will help you recognize migraine onset and prepare you to offer physical and emotional support.

2. Help With Daily Tasks

Assist migraine patients with daily tasks such as cooking, housecleaning and childcare responsibilities when symptoms are approaching or a migraine is in full swing. Unfortunately, there is no cure for migraines. They are difficult to treat and may last for days, and patients often feel like they must hide in darkened rooms to sleep off debilitating pain. While abortive or preventative medications may help their condition, it's critical for patients to have a support network to take on home and workplace tasks while they recover.

3. Intervene to Prevent Psychological Symptoms

In addition to physical pain, migraineurs may suffer from depression and anxiety due to the unpredictability of their condition. If you sense that a friend or relative is struggling with psychological symptoms due to a battle with migraines, suggest that he become affiliated with a support group through the The National Migraine Association. If you're concerned about the severity or progression of psychological symptoms, encourage your friend to consult a psychologist or neurologist for medical assistance.