Dealing with migraines
If you’re dealing with debilitating migraine headaches, you’re not alone. More than 20 million Americans suffer from migraine headaches, including about 18% of adult women and 9% of adult men. Cumulatively, migraines cause approximately 25 million “lost days” from work, school, and other activities.
This means there is a large economic burden associated with migraine disorders, as people with migraines lose an average of five work days each year. These losses are estimated to cost the U.S. economy $17 billion annually.
Migraines are severe, episodic headaches suffered by both children and adults alike. These episodes are usually associated with nausea and/or vomiting, light and sound sensitivity, and a pulsing sensation in the head. Migraine headaches may or may not be accompanied by an aura. An aura often comes before a migraine headache, and it entails blurry vision, a complete loss of vision, seeing strange light patterns like zigzags and spots, and/or seeing patches of darkness. Approximately 20% of migraine sufferers report experiencing a migraine with an aura. When an aura is experienced alongside a migraine, the event is called a “classic migraine.” A migraine sufferer who does not experience an aura is dealing with the “common migraine.”
There are a lot of factors that cause people to experience migraines, or can cause migraines to worsen. They can be triggered by a variety of external circumstances including stress, visual stimuli, weather changes, fasting, or ingesting alcohol, caffeine, and sugar. However, the problem can also come from within; hormonal changes (such as menstruation or menopause in women) can cause a person who’s never had a migraine before to suddenly begin experiencing them. It is very important to remember that if you experience the worst headache of your life, or have neurological symptoms including blurred/double vision or loss of vision, slurred speech, numbness/tingling, or weakness, you should seek immediate medical attention.
Typically, the diagnosis of migraines does not require radiology or imaging studies, though your doctor may order imaging is he or she feels it is necessary. Neurological examinations like CT scans and MRIs are more useful for ruling out other diagnoses than establishing a migraine diagnosis. To help your doctor make the correct diagnosis, it is important to describe your pain clearly. Be prepared to present details about your symptoms, and bring a diary of your symptoms if you have time to track them. From there, your doctor can help you find the treatment that’s right for you.
Some people suffer from only occasional migraines, which can be treated episodically with abortive medications. Others suffer from frequent migraines. For those individuals, preventative therapies are often recommended, which may include medications that are commonly used as anti-depressants, blood pressure meds or anti-convulsants. Botox injections have also been proven to relieve migraine pain.
To prevent migraines, Dr. Lauren C. O’Brien has a few tips. First, she recommends that patients stay well hydrated and get a good amount of rest. These are both factors that will contribute to your overall health, and can help you fight migraines naturally. Along that same vein, it’s important to reduce your intake of caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco, as all can contribute to recurring migraines. If you’re a woman whose migraines are triggered by estrogen fluctuations, talk to your doctor – he or she may be able to recommend treatments that will be beneficial.
Dr. O’Brien also suggests that patients exercise regularly, as this helps reduce stress on both your body and mind. However, she reminds you that it’s important to build up to your workout; sudden activity can often trigger headaches rather than prevent them.
Above all, Dr. O’Brien recommends trying to avoid triggers (like particular scents or foods), avoiding stress as much as possible, and keeping all other health conditions well managed. Taking control of your life can help you fight off migraines and build a healthier, happier lifestyle.