If you suffer from regular migraines, you are not alone. Headache disorders affect half of the population of the world.
Getting a migraine can be a scary and painful experience. Most of the time, they come on with little to no warning, which can leave you suffering without easy access to treatment.
Being prepared with knowledge of how to combat migraine symptoms can help you in the future.
Migraines have no cure at this point in time, but there are ways to treat a migraine, so they aren’t quite as painful and debilitating.
In this article, you’ll find out how to treat a migraine and how you can prevent one from coming on.
Peaceful Environment
If you can, you should seek out a peaceful environment where you can sleep off your migraine or avoid loud noises and bright lights. Try to relax if you can and take some deep breaths.
Over the Counter Drugs
There are a few types of over-the-counter drugs you can take for migraines. These include ibuprofen, aspirin, and more. Try to take these as soon as you think a migraine is setting in, or it might be too late for them to work.
Water
Dehydration can trigger a migraine. Try to stay hydrated throughout the day, and it’s always good to have water on hand in case you need to take pills for your migraine headache.
Caffeine
A small amount of caffeine can reduce the effects of a migraine if you catch it early. Have a caffeinated cup of tea or something with minimal caffeine added.
Be careful; having caffeine late in the day can affect your sleep, worsening migraine symptoms.
Cold or Hot Compress
Temperature therapy can help when treating a migraine.
A cold compress on the head or the neck can numb the sensations of pain. A hot compress can relieve muscle tension. If you would prefer you could also have a hot bath instead.
Preparing for a Migraine
90% of people who suffer from migraine attacks can’t work or function properly during one.
If you suffer from migraines a ton, you may want to consider putting together a “migraine go bag” that includes medication, water, caffeine, and a cold compress.
You may also want to keep a “migraine journal.” A migraine journal can help you discover your triggers, which will help you figure out how to treat migraines in the future.
When Should I See a Migraine Specialist?
If you are suffering from daily migraines, or they make everyday life near impossible, consider going to a migraine specialist. These specialists can figure out a personalized treatment for you and tell you how to manage a migraine more effectively.
How to Treat a Migraine
Suffering from migraines can feel like a heavy burden to carry, but you can make choices to help in the future.
Now that you’ve figured out how to treat a migraine and have done everything you can to prepare, you can figure out what’s best for you.
If you are looking for more health and prevention tips, check out the rest of our blog. There are a ton of articles there that can help you on your health journey.