Throbbing pain, sensitivity to light and nausea are a few of the debilitating symptoms describing a migraine headache. Nearly 28 million Americans suffer from migraine headaches, according to Harvard Medical School. The chronic condition causes headaches lasting for hours or even days; they often frequent one side of the head, face or neck. Factors putting a person at risk of migraines include family history, being under the age of 40, being a woman and hormonal changes. There is no cure for migraines, reports MayoClinic.com. However, a variety of treatment methods may reduce the severity of the condition and its associated symptoms.
Step 1
Identify early warning signs that a migraine attack may be starting to take preventive measures. According to the University of California at Berkeley, these symptoms may be identified between six and 24 hours before the onset of a migraine headache. Implement relaxation techniques, control anxiety and emotions as well as stressful situations.
Step 2
Rest in a dark room without much activity if you feel the start of a migraine headache. Attempt to take a nap or sleep. Focus on breathing slowly. Practice meditating or yoga, as well as other relaxation techniques.
Step 3
Massage your body by applying gentle pressure with your fingertips. Concentrate on your temples, jaw, neck and scalp. Place an ice pack to the back of the head, on the neck, recommends MayoClinic.com. Use a cold can of soda or frozen vegetables if an ice pack is not available. Keep ice in position for 10 minutes, remove for 20 minutes and repeat as desired, suggests the University of California at Berkeley.
Step 4
Take medications, if recommended by your medical professional within the first two hours of a migraine for the most effective treatment, recommends the American Headache Society. Pain-reducing drugs, including ibuprofen and caffeine, acetaminophen and aspirin combinations, are available over-the-counter for migraine treatment. According to the American Headache Society, use caution when taking medications. Over-use or even daily use may causes migraine headaches to become more severe. Prescription medications include several different forms of medications that come in oral, injectable and nasal spray forms, reports the American Headache Society.
Step 5
Write down symptoms of your migraine in a notebook. Include what foods you ate or activities you participated in before the headache began. Continue to keep the diary to identify migraine triggers and to learn what environmental or lifestyle conditions may contribute to the disease.
Tips and Warnings
- Relax your muscles and your mind to avoid migraines. MayoClinic.com suggests spending 30 minutes a day relaxing and focusing on activities you enjoy, such as gardening, reading or listening to soft music. Get plenty of sleep, but not too much or too little. Strive for the same amount of sleep each night. Getting between six and eight hours is recommended. When taking medications to treat migraine headaches, begin with low doses and gradually increase medication until the desired results are reached, recommends the American Headache Society. Remember to ask your doctor what the desired effects of the medication will be prior to starting any drug therapy. Understand that it may take several months to reach the desired outcome of medication therapy and to reach the beneficial dose amount.
Things You'll Need
- Ice pack, cold soda can or frozen vegetable bag
- Over-the-counter medications
- Prescription medications
- Notebook or diary
