Experiencing a migraine? Find relief with these tactics

A poorly timed migraine can upend your entire day. They can be severe and impact your quality of life. Fortunately, there are ways to find relief from chronic migraine.

A migraine is a type of debilitating headache that causes moderate to severe pain often on one side of the head. They can last hours to days and are often associated with nausea, vomiting, and light and sound sensitivity.  

“What triggers a migraine can vary depending on the person,” says Dr. Ashley Holdridge, a neurologist at Aurora Health Care. “For some, it can be as simple as a certain food or lack of sleep. For others, it might be anxiety or a stressful situation. It is often a combination of triggers resulting in a ‘perfect storm’ that can provoke a migraine.” 

You have a migraine. Now what? 

“Once a migraine hits, relief from the intense pain can feel impossible,” says Dr. Holdridge. “While there is not currently a cure for chronic migraine, there are basic ways to help mitigate pain and prevent future attacks.” 

A starting point for treatment can include closing your eyes and resting in a dark and quiet room, staying hydrated and taking over–the–counter pain relief medications.  

If you’re consistently experiencing a migraine, there are some actions you can take to potentially prevent future episodes and find relief: 

1. Manage your stress: Stress is one of the most common migraine triggers. Yoga, meditation, breathing exercises and regular physical activity are all excellent options for managing your stress levels. 
2. Identify your triggers: Making note of what you’re eating and drinking and keeping a journal of what occurred prior to the migraine can help to identify what may have contributed to the attack. 
3. Lessen your caffeine intake: Caffeine in small amounts can help with headaches. But when consumed in excess, over 200 mg per day, caffeine can be a trigger. If you frequently experience a migraine, consider cutting back on caffeine. 
4. Keep a consistent bedtime schedule: Inconsistent sleep schedules can trigger a migraine. Try keeping the same bedtime and getting at least seven hours of sleep a night.   
5. Make sure you’re hydrated: Dehydration is an easy way to get a headache or migraine. Drinking enough water could stave off future migraine attacks or even reduce migraine severity and duration. 

If you’re experiencing frequent and severe migraine attacks, talk to a health care provider immediately. 

Are you trying to find a doctor? Find one in Illinois or Wisconsin.