A migraine is a severe form of headache that is often associated with extreme pain, sensitivity to light, visual disturbances, and nausea and vomiting. Patients who suffer migraines often find them debilitating. This form of headache can be chronic and disruptive to normal life. It is difficult to cure migraines, but there are medications and self-care techniques that can alleviate these headaches.
Step 1
Stop all activity, if at all possible. If you are away from home, find somewhere quiet and cool so you can relax. Close your eyes and breathe normally.
Step 2
Place a cooling cloth or compress on your head or neck. Keep in place for 10 or more minutes to help relieve pain.
Step 3
Suck on a piece of peppermint or eat a few crackers or ginger snaps to help reduce nausea, if this symptom occurs with your migraine.
Step 4
Lie down in a dark, ventilated room, if possible. Do not turn on the television or radio, as the noise may worsen your headache.
Step 5
Take an analgesic to treat your migraine. Many over-the-counter products containing acetaminophen, aspirin and caffeine, or a combination of them, are effective for migraines.
Step 6
Apply light pressure to your temples or forehead to help relieve pain. Maintain the pressure for several minutes, keeping it consistent without pressing too hard.
Step 7
Sleep, if you can. Make your bedroom as conducive to sleep as possible. Try using an over-the-counter sleep aid to make you drowsy.
Step 8
Rub lavender oil into your temples for relief. You can also place a few drops under your pillow to inhale as you rest.
Step 9
Vomit, if you have the urge. If your nausea does not abate, it may be necessary and even helpful to throw up. Some people report an instant reduction in pain following vomiting.
Step 10
See your physician if you experience an overly severe migraine or if you have these types of headaches frequently. The doctor may prescribe abortive medications, such as dihydroerotame (DHE), as well as preventative medications, such as beta blockers.
Tips and Warnings
- Develop a daily routine of muscle relaxation techniques to reduce the number of migraines you experience. Check out books or videos that teach meditation and other relaxation methods. Enroll in a yoga class to learn a physical technique for relaxation. Keep a journal of your migraines. Note the date, time, what you did leading up to the headaches, what you ate, the duration of the migraine and any associated symptoms that occurred. Use the diary over time to look for patterns and triggers so you can help prevent attacks in the future.
Things You'll Need
- Analgesic
- Cold compress
