Purpose: To help myself and others with migraines. I find that I forget to try each of these things that have proven in the past to stamp out a migraine.
History: My migraines started with a head injury when I was 18. In the past they have taken me out for 3 to 4 days, required intense and expensive medicines, and few times an Emergency Room visit. For years I have been on preventive medicines such as ones for blood pressure, depression, seizures. Each one has other side effects and over time my headaches return.
Migraine Triggers:
MSG - Monosodium Glutamate - It's in everything.
Stress
Lack of caffeine (I need to fix this habit!)
Not enough sleep
Neck muscle over-exertion
Bright lights
Flashing lights
Strong smells
My fixes:
Icepack placed on the back of neck
Heat on temple
Lavender and Peppermint essential oils compress
Submerging hands in hot water
Caffeine with Tylenol
Lying down after Tylenol
Controlled breathing
Dark room with little noise
Outcome:
Sometimes my headache/migraine gets too intense and I am unable to speak, let alone think. So, I have put this list on a sticky note on my bedside table. This enables Mr. D. to walk through the methods and help me to banish the headache. They don't always work and we have to resort to heavy migraine medications. I can say that I haven't had to go to the Emergency Room in over 6 years though!
Hope this helps someone out there.
