How to stop a migraine
We can define a migraine headache as a Hemi cranial headache. When migraine sets in, individuals start feeling this dull throbbing pain around half of their skull, which can later proceed to the entire head.
According to the American Migraine Foundation, 18% of American women, 6% of American men, and 10% of American children suffer from migraines.
What Are Migraine Headaches?
A migraine can sometimes be confused with a sinus headache as they share a similarity in symptoms. However, in a sinus-caused headache, you will feel a severe deep pain around your cheekbones, your bridge of the nose, that you don’t think in a migraine headache.
Migraines are prevalent. Many people from around the world experience migraines. However, how badly one is suffering from it can vary. The etiology behind migraine is unknown. Anything could be a trigger factor for a migraine headache. It can be presumed correctly that it also runs in families. About 95% of the time that is the main reason behind it.
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Symptoms of a Migraine Headache
The severity of a migraine headache can vary, which is why different people suffer different migraine symptoms.
The most common symptoms being:
- Throbbing dull pain (half side of the head)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sensitivity to bright light
- Tingling sensation in hands typically at tips
- Can last for a few to several hours
- Fatigue
- Mood swings
Migraines with An Aura and Without an Aura
Classic migraines have these recurrent disturbances called ‘aura.’ These sensory disturbances are not dangerous mainly. However, symptoms including blind spots and change in vision can be questionable.
Migraines without aura are silent headaches. They do not have about of recurrence. The migraine pain hits you without any sign. If not treated cautiously, it can last up to 72 hours or more.
Helpful Remedies
Since migraines are chronic headaches in nature, it is often difficult to manage them. One surprising fact that many people are not familiar with thats there is no treatment for migraine headaches.
The reason being the etiology. As the cause is unknown, the treatment is as well. But don’t let that dishearten you as there are different remedies to ease the pain, which somewhat serve as a cure for migraines.
Managing Stress
Like many different health conditions, stress is a major trigger for migraines. Managing your stress is very significant for relieving migraine headaches. How you handle your stress is directly associated with how bad your migraine might get.
You can always channelize your energy into doing something that brings positivity. It can be listening to music, taking a warm bath, meditating, or exercising. This way, you will control your mind and body and distract the pain for a while.
Resting in A Quiet and Dark Space
Being sensitive to light and sound when you are having an episode of a migraine is a common symptom. As the pain starts getting lower in its impact, the best way to ease the pain is by resting. A dark room and quiet space will relax your mind and body.
Exercise
Though impulsive cardiac and physical activity can be a migraine trigger and worsen it, yoga and mindful meditation, on the contrary, can be beneficial to lessen migraine pain.
People with migraines should be extra cautious about their lifestyle. Incorporating exercise not only helps manage stress but also prevents migraine headaches more effectively.
Diet
Diet might not seem like a significant contributing factor when it comes to stopping migraines. But it plays a vital role in your lifestyle hence eventually playing a role in curbing it. Certain foods and drinks can exaggerate migraine attacks, for instance, coffee, alcohol, wine, and caffeine.
You should try avoiding them if they result in aggravating your migraine.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a treatment where various thin needles are inserted in a person’s body to a certain depth to relieve stress. It is an effective way of treatment for a migraine headache.
However, one thing that should be kept in mind is when you are opting for this treatment, make sure they are licensed practitioners and not quacks.
Hot and Cold Compressors
Ice works best to numb nerve endings. Apply a cold press to the side of your temples and forehead for 15-20 minutes when you are having a migraine. It will provide a sense of soothing and comfort.
Some people avoid the cold press and prefer warm presses. However, whichever works best in your scenario, make sure you go for it.
Muscle Relaxants
Many times, none of the herbal or home remedies help to stop migraine pains. When your migraine is not manageable, you might need medication to relax your tense muscles. Muscle relaxant will make sure to do the job and ease the pain.
Paracetamol, ibuprofen, and aspirin are some of the most common and safe options for treating migraine headaches.
How Do You Get Rid of a Migraine Fast?
- Dim the lights
- Massage your scalp and temples
- Apply cold press
- Yoga and stretch
- Stay hydrated
- Drink a ginger tea or take raw ginger
- Talk to your doctor for their advice
- Visit a mayo clinic
Does Ibuprofen Stop Migraines?
As much as it is essential to take medications with your doctor’s advice, sometimes over-the-counter medicines are used to relieve different kinds of headaches.
Paracetamol and ibuprofen are the common OTC medicines. Taking a suspension form is always safer than a pill. However, considering our body types and weight may depend on which medication effects and works best for us.
It is safe to say that Ibuprofen is widely used all over the world. However, people with kidney and heart conditions should avoid them.
The Takeaway
Talking about how to stop a migraine might raise a lot of questions in our heads. Being one of the most common conditions without an etiology certainly puts a big question mark.
Doctors and researchers should collaborate to find a treatment for relieving migraines.
If you suffer from migraine headaches quite often, try to maintain a journal. Analyze what remedy is working for you best. Which medicines are helping you effectively? Keeping an insight into your condition will help you prevent migraine headaches. If not, at least it will make sure your bouts aren’t severe, resulting in excruciating headaches.
