Migraines can be unpredictable, sometimes developing for no apparent reason, and varying in severity. For those who have experienced migraines, you know how incapacitating it can be, effectively forcing you to hide from lights and noise because of the pain. The pain experienced during a migraine is described as pulsating and throbbing that can be accompanied by visual disturbances, known as ‘auras’.
Migraines cause extreme sensitivity to bright light and sounds, which can lead to physical discomfort and even make you nauseous. People who suffer from chronic migraines experience reduced quality of life as migraines can ruin plans, putting a strain on relationships and other commitments.
Dr. Salman Saeed has helped countless patients better understand and manage their chronic migraines. There is a range of factors that influence the frequency and severity of migraines, meaning your management plan will be tailored to your specific needs. Our team can provide you with preventative actions as well as medication to suppress symptoms.
5 Ways To Manage Migraine Symptoms
Comfortable Surroundings
One of the best ways to counter an oncoming migraine is to put yourself in a calm, stress-free environment. If you are able to reduce stimulants like bright light, loud noises, or high-pressure scenarios, you can limit the likelihood and severity of migraines.
- Find a dark space – Migraines are often accompanied by an increased sensitivity to light and sound. Relax in a dark, quiet room and take a short nap if you can.
- Hot/Cold therapy – Apply hot or cold compresses to your head or neck. Warm showers or baths can be excellent ways to relieve stress.
Healthy Sleep Schedule
Migraines can often be traced back to poor or insufficient sleep. Developing a healthy and consistent sleep schedule is one of the best ways to mitigate migraines. Here are some simple ways to encourage healthy sleep:
- Develop a sleep schedule – Adhere to strict wake-up and sleep times.
- Learn to wind down – soothing music, warm showers, or read a favorite book.
- Avoid stimulants – Rigorous exercise, large meals, caffeine, and nicotine can interfere with sleep.
- Eliminate distractions – avoid trying to fall asleep in front of the TV or using your cellphone in bed. Studies show that exposure to bright light significantly reduces the quality and duration of healthy sleep, including artificial sources like screens.
Healthy Eating Habits
Ensuring that you are providing your body with essential nutrients, energy and hydration have a significant impact on the severity and frequency that you experience migraines, consider the following:
- Consistent eating schedule – changing eating habits can result in temporary energy and nutrient deficits, triggering migraines
- Avoid fasting – adding to the point above, purposely starving yourself can lead to migraines.
- Recognize migraine triggers – If you always experience migraines after eating certain foods, keep a food log and eliminate problematic foods.
Stress Management Tactics
Stress has profound, far-reaching effects on the body. Extended periods of stress can lead to a variety of problems such as high blood pressure, fatigue, increased metabolism, and eventually migraines. If you are able to mitigate stress, you can help prevent migraines from occurring:
- Workload management – Don’t overwhelm yourself, learn to understand your personal limitations.
- Meditation – control your breathing, relax tense muscles, and organize your thoughts. You can recenter yourself and reduce significant amounts of stress with 10 minutes of proper meditation.
Migraine Medication Therapy
Medication might be part of your individualized treatment plan. Some drugs work to prevent headaches, while others focus on reducing symptoms. There are even preventive medications that can reduce how frequently you have headaches, as well as how long and painful they are if they do occur.
Dr. Saeed has had great results with Aimovig, a new medication that prevents migraines. The drug works by blocking a type of chemical receptor believed to cause migraines. Aimovig is administered via a once-monthly injection in your abdomen, upper arm, or thigh. Best of all, Aimovig has no known drug interactions or side effects, making it a preferred treatment approach.
Migraine Management Available in Bartlett, Tennessee!
If you are experiencing migraine symptoms or chronic migraines that are impacting your quality of life, reach out to Dr. Saeed at West TN Neurology for more information and symptom management methods. Call our office to speak with a representative from our team, or schedule a consultation online today and take back control over migraines.
