How To Manage Migraine Headaches

If you have ever had a migraine headache, you know all too well just how debilitating this type of headache pain can be.

For countless migraine sufferers, it appears that life must stop every time the symptoms surface, making these headaches a major detriment to the everyday life of many people.

The good news is that there are new treatment and prevention options available for Migraine suffers.

If you are suffering from frequent migraines, you might want to talk to your doctor about what you can do to manage your condition effectively. While no one is exactly sure of the cause of migraine headaches, it is thought that they might be linked to the blood vessels in the brain widening or narrowing. The result of this process may lead to the swelling and pain that is known as a migraine. It has also been shown that there may be a genetic link with this condition, but it is still not certain of how or why this link exists. It also may be a pure psychological response. See the book by Dr John E Sarno - The Divided Mind: The Epidemic of Mindbody Disorders for a good explanation of many common ailments like migraine headaches.

What does a Migraine Headache feel like?

Migraines can begin in a couple of different ways. For some, the headache begins with an aura, which can consist of dots, wavy lines or flashing lights in the edge of the line of vision with one eye. These auras will usually begin approximately 30 minutes prior to the onset of the migraine headache, and can be accompanied by a tingling or numbness in the arms or face. And for others, the headache might begin with an intense throbbing on one side of the head. This pain may be followed with nausea or vomiting, and can be intensified by exposure to bright lights, certain odors or loud noises. Sometimes the pain will remain in one location, and other times it will alternate from side to side. The pain may get worse with movement, such as bending forward or even walking around

Prevention Is The Best Migraine Headache Treatment

The best treatment for a headache that has already started is to take an over the counter pain medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Find a nice quite dark room to lie down in. Try applying a cool compress over your forehead. Rest is often the best medicine in a case like this. If over the counter remedies do not seem to take the edge off of the pain, your doctor may prescribe other types of medication that may prove to be more effective for you. Many migraine sufferers have also found that the best way to treat a migraine headache is to prevent it in the first place. This includes avoiding the potential triggers of a headache, such as chocolate, red wine, some dairy products, MSG, and sleep deprivation. If you are suffering from frequent, debilitating migraine headaches, make an appointment and talk to your doctor about your options in treatment and prevention of this painful condition. If you can find out what triggers your migraine headache you will have discovered your best treatment.