Tools and tips for migraine care
March 8th 2008 21:18
A headache diary is an important tool. Even though migraine headaches are caused by changes in the brain, nearly 85% of migraine sufferers have reported that certain food or environmental changes can trigger their headache.
Frequent migraineurs can use a simple notebook.Each day include the date,weather,food,stressfull events,headache details(pain level,time it started,duration,if aura prior,any nausea,vomiting).
After a few days, take a look, do you see a pattern, items in common? If there is, you may have found a migraine trigger. If possible, try to avoid that trigger.
Now, I found weather is now a trigger for me. I can't do anything about the weather, but you can prepare. If I know there's a change in the weather,a thunderstorm,rain,snow, I have my med bag handy.If you're going to be at home,keep comfort items on hand.I have my little fleece throws.I keep motion sickness pills,they are the only thing that will stop me from really getting sick.Keep yourself hydrated.That should be the case anyway.
I also keep ginger ale and crackers in store.Oh,and by hydrated, I don't mean soda.You should drink plenty of water every day.Make sure you do not skip meals.You don't want to invite a migraine to visit.
I have my sound machine.Sometimes during a migraine,noise will bother me,but I may get ringing in my ears,so I can't stand complete silence.The sound machine is much more soothing to listen to than ringing.
Aromatherapy for me,is a good preventative.It can help take my stress level down.If you find something works,keep it close by.Then you won't stress yourself looking for it when you need it.
Frequent migraineurs can use a simple notebook.Each day include the date,weather,food,stressfull events,headache details(pain level,time it started,duration,if aura prior,any nausea,vomiting).
After a few days, take a look, do you see a pattern, items in common? If there is, you may have found a migraine trigger. If possible, try to avoid that trigger.
Now, I found weather is now a trigger for me. I can't do anything about the weather, but you can prepare. If I know there's a change in the weather,a thunderstorm,rain,snow, I have my med bag handy.If you're going to be at home,keep comfort items on hand.I have my little fleece throws.I keep motion sickness pills,they are the only thing that will stop me from really getting sick.Keep yourself hydrated.That should be the case anyway.
I also keep ginger ale and crackers in store.Oh,and by hydrated, I don't mean soda.You should drink plenty of water every day.Make sure you do not skip meals.You don't want to invite a migraine to visit.
I have my sound machine.Sometimes during a migraine,noise will bother me,but I may get ringing in my ears,so I can't stand complete silence.The sound machine is much more soothing to listen to than ringing.
Aromatherapy for me,is a good preventative.It can help take my stress level down.If you find something works,keep it close by.Then you won't stress yourself looking for it when you need it.
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