Although migraines are generally thought of as strong headaches, head pain is only one of the four possible phases of a migraine. The other three phases are onset, aura and recovery. Some migraines actually lack a headache and are termed silent migraines. The National Headache Foundation lists the typical symptoms associated with the other three phases of migraines, which include nausea, fatigue, stomachache, dizziness and visual distortions. Paralysis and blindness are rare symptoms. The combination of symptoms experienced varies with each type of migraine and each person.
Step 1
Practice diaphragmatic breathing. The National Headache Foundation suggests that deep breathing exercises should be started immediately at the onset of a migraine. Breathe in, completely filling your lungs and focusing on your abdominal muscles, then slowly release. This process will minimize head and neck pain that results from rapid breathing, a typical result of migraine onset.
Step 2
Seclude yourself in a dark and quiet room. The Mayo Clinic suggests removing yourself from common migraine triggers, such as light and noise, which may prevent your migraine from progressing and lessen overall pain.
Step 3
Place hands or feet in warm water. Increased blood pressure in your brain will heighten your sense of pain. Placing your hands or feet in warm water will help draw blood toward your extremities and away from your head to lessen the pain.
Step 4
Take a nap. Sleep is a natural way to restart your brain activity, which may be the reason many migraine sufferers report fatigue as a primary symptom.
Step 5
Take over-the-counter pain medication. Any other-the-counter pain medication can be used, but Excedrin Migraine is the only pain medication specifically designed to stop migraine pain as of August 2010.
Step 6
Control the amount of caffeine you ingest. Many pain relievers contain caffeine to stimulate your neurons and increase the effectiveness of the pain reliever. However, excessive caffeine may induce more severe migraine pain.
Step 7
Seek medical care. Several types of prescription medication have been proven to prevent recurring migraines, such as antidepressants, anti-seizure medicine and beta blockers.
Things You'll Need
- Dark room
- Over-the-counter pain medication
