Could It Be Migraines?

Chronic headaches of any nature are miserable, but dealing with migraines can be often-times disabling.  If you find yourself experiencing headaches on a regular basis or have had some that last from a few hours to more than a day, it is time to find some answers and figure out what it causing these intense and frequent headaches and exactly how you can manage or even prevent them for occurring in the future.

Where To Begin

To start this journey, you would most likely seek support from your primary care provider.  Many primary care doctors will referred you do someone that specializes in diagnosing and treating migraines, such as a neurologist.  When visiting the doctor, appointments are often brief and can feel rushed.  You want to be prepared for your appointment and not forget anything that you need to share.  Here are a few tips to make sure you are ready for your appointment and are able to discuss all your concerns without forgetting something:

• Document any symptoms you may be experiencing, even if they are not related to your headaches.
• Record important personal information, such as new or current medical conditions, recent life changes (good or bad), and any major stressors
• Be prepared to share all medications you are taking – this includes vitamins and herbal supplements, because many of these may interact with your medication.  Be sure to include current treatment option and dosage for managing headaches.
• Don’t go alone!  If possible, take a family member or friend with you that can help your through your appointment, they may chime in with things they’ve noticed or help jog your memory of something you have forgotten about.
• Write down all questions that you would like to ask your doctor.  You want to make the most of your time together.  With time being pressed between appointments, list the most crucial questions at the top of your list, so you ensure you have ample time to discuss those most pressing issues with your physician.

Each of these steps will help to keep appointment focused on your concerns and allow the doctor time to simply address those needs and not just have “chit-chat.”    If your brain is stuck on the last item, here are a few suggested questions you may want to ask your doctor.

• What could be triggering my migraines?
• Will I need any type of testing to know if it is migraines?
• How can I treat this?
• Can I “cure” or completely eliminate my headaches?
• Are there ways to treat without the use of medication?

While you are in control of your appointment, as these are your concerns, the doctor will have plenty of questions to ask of you too.  Be sure to listen to the questions carefully and answer honestly.  If they ask if you drink alcohol and you have a drink for time to time, don’t tell them “no.”  Tell them exactly what you do!  These little things could help to identify triggers or possible causes for the migraine.

Managing Migraines

While hanging in the balance and waiting to find out if you really do have migraines and how to treat them, there are a few things you could do to help reduce future episodes and to provide evidence for your physician at future appointments.

1. KEEP A JOURNAL – keeping a headache journal will help the doctor to identify possible triggers for your migraines.  In this journal you need to track when you experienced the headache, how long it lasted, any accompanying symptoms, and how you were able to find relief (if possible).  Additionally, it may be beneficial to record foods and activities enjoyed during the day.
2. REDUCE STRESS – while it may be difficult to completely eliminate stress from your life, do your best to avoid situations and/or people that always seem to bring about tension.
3. SLEEP – try to maintain a regular sleep schedule that ensures you are getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep a night.
4. EXERCISE – try to utilize a low-impact workout at least three times a week.  Aerobic exercise produces endorphins to help your body work through pain, or even eliminate future attacks.  Just don’t overdo yourself during workouts, as that could trigger an attack!

Tags: allergies, blurred vision, dizziness, head pain, lightheadedness, migraine symptoms, nausea, vomiting