Questions That Every Migraine-Sufferer Should Know the Answer To

Migraines are severe, debilitating headaches that can cause some peoples live to virtually stop once an attack begins. However, there are some basic things that every migraine-sufferer should know that will help them to lessen the amount of triggers that cause their migraines and manage their symptoms once an attack begins.

How can I identify my headache triggers?

Keeping a headache diary is one great way that you can identify your headache triggers and it often will lead to an effective treatment. Many such triggers include certain foods, stressful events, interruptions in sleep patterns, or physical activities. When you take your headache diary to your doctor’s appointment, your doctor will be able to see your headache history and any patterns to your headaches.
Consider the following while filling out your headache diary:

• When did the headache begin?
• How long did the headache last?
• How often do you get headaches?
• Do they occur at the same time every day? If so, when?
• If you are a woman, do you get headaches before or near menstruation?
• How would you describe your headache: throbbing, steady and constant, pounding, stabbing, or splitting pain?
• Is the pain on only one side of your head or all over?
• Have you been exposed to known headache triggers that could be linked to the onset of your headache?
• Do you experience any recognizable symptoms before the headache starts, such as fatigue, yawning, excitability, or high energy?
• Do you have any visual disturbances (seeing flashes or sparks of light, wavy lines, or blind spots) before the headache occurs?
• Do you have any nasal symptoms or congestion with your headaches?
• Do you have a family history of headaches? If so, what kind?

Could any of my medicines be making my migraines worse?

Yes! Some medications may cause rebound headaches. Part of the problem with rebound headaches is that they are sometimes difficult to identify, especially since people with rebound headaches usually had chronic headaches to begin with (which is precisely why they started to take medication). Noticing the change from a migraine headache to a rebound headache may be difficult for you and your doctor to identify at first. However, the symptoms can be somewhat different. The nausea and sensitivity to light that are typical with migraine headaches are usually absent in rebound headaches, and the pain can be anywhere on the head rather than just on one side.

Is there a chance my migraines might go away in a few years?

There has been some evidence showing that children or adolescents who have suffered from migraines experiencing significantly fewer episodes as adults. However, it all just depends on the patient. It has also been shown that a family history of migraines was a strong risk factor for migraine persistence. Adolescents who had parents or siblings with migraine were seven times as likely to still have migraine 10 years later as those whose first-degree relatives were migraine-free.

Can hypnosis, biofeedback, or other nondrug treatments help?

Studies have shown that those who received hypnotherapy reported fewer migraine attacks compared to those who received medication. Another study using approaches such as include relaxation, biofeedback, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and hypnosis was shown to be very effective as well. Hypnosis can help migraine sufferers avoid a patient’s known triggers. Some studies have shown that hypnotherapy and natural methods of treating migraine headaches are very effective alternatives to prescription medication. The fact that hypnosis has no side effects and many prescription medications have many side effects makes hypnotherapy a very attractive alternative course of treatment. In addition to no side effects, many studies have shown that the effects of hypnosis are more lasting and beneficial compared to the use of prescription medication. However, you should always consult your physician before beginning a new course of treatment.

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