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Help for Migraine Pain

Migraine pain manifests in a variety of ways, affecting a person neurologically and physically. The onset of a migraine may be detected by symptoms of aura, creating visual disturbances, light and sound sensitivity, nausea and confusion, with some migraines leading to temporary paralysis. Most often, the throbbing, pulsating pain of a migraine causes facial tenderness, irritability and decreased livelihood. Treatment for migraine pain varies due to the type of migraine, source, symptoms and individual.

  1. Limit Stimuli

    • The pain of a migraine is consistent and can worsen with triggers such as exercise, stress and sensory stimuli. As physical activity can exacerbate the pain, rest is recommended. Sensory stimuli reactions to light, noises and odors may cause a migraine or aggravate an existing migraine. Avoid the inhalation of perfumed, substances, chemical irritants and household cleaners. Lie down in a dark, quiet room without using a computer, television or radio. Apply a cold compress over the affected eye, forehead and temples to relieve migraine pressure by reducing inflammation. Massaging the temples, forehead, sinus area and above the eye may sooth a migraine. Yoga is thought to ease migraines through light stretching and breathing techniques that reduce stress and anxiety migraine triggers.

    Avoid Dietary Triggers

    • Migraine pain may be helped or prevented through dietary changes. Skipping meals or fasting causes blood sugar levels to drop, potentially leading to a migraine. Eating on a regular schedule, with healthy snacks throughout the day keeps sugar maintained at a normal level. Certain individuals get migraines or worsen migraine pain through food triggers. Foods containing chemicals may present symptoms of chemical sensitivity in a migraine-afflicted person. Avoid additives such as aspartame, artificial flavorings, MSG, sodium and tyramine, as found in processed meats, aged cheeses, red wine, beer, pickles, onions, nuts and avocados. Caffeine and chocolate have conflicting results on migraines, with some people benefiting and others suffering from the consumption. Caffeine and chocolate may need to be attempted as remedies on a trial-and-error basis.

    Track Migraines

    • Assess migraines and try to pinpoint triggers each reoccurrence. Migraines are often hereditary and occur cyclically or episodically in most people. Consider all possible instigators such as emotional distress, exercise, medications, foods, hormones and physical trauma. Track symptoms in a migraine diary to find any patterns, which works to diagnose and treat migraine pain effectively. Chronic migraine sufferers benefit from consulting with a neurologist. Bring a list of symptoms, time frames, possible causes and family history to the doctor's office. Consider any medications such as birth control pills, which are thought to increase the chances of migraines due to estrogen content. Upon doctor recommendation, take prescriptions such as painkillers or anti-inflammatory medications prior to the onset in prevention of a migraine. Beta blockers, antidepressants or hormone therapy may contribute to relieving chronic migraine pain.

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