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How to Prevent Migraine Attack
Migraine is a very common but particular type of headache associated with a throbbing headache which is on one or both sides of the head. The pain is mostly in the front around the temples or behind one eye or ear. The period of migraine can be at any time of the day, though it is mostly said to start in the mornings, and could last a few hours or up to one or two days.
A typical migraine headache is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, changes in vision and loss of appetite. Since the cause of migraine is varied from individual to individual, certain activities, foods, smells or emotions are said to trigger it. Personal action plan, trigger awareness, keeping a diary and stress prevention are some common prevention for the reduction or occurrence of migraine headaches.
In order to control and even reduce the occurrence of migraine episodes, migraine history should be discussed with a doctor so that an action plan can be determined to control migraine headache patterns. Following such a plan regularly can help migraine headaches stay in control.
Environmental, biological, dietary or emotional factors are associated with migraine triggers, hence making a note of the trigger that causes it can help prevent a headache as much as possible. Environmental factors include weather, scorching heat and bright sunlight, certain odors or perfumes, and cigarette smoke. Skipping meals, too little or too much sleep and menstrual cycle can be associated to biological triggers. Under dietary triggers foods to be avoided include caffeine, cheese, Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), processed meats, alcohol and vinegar, citrus fruits and juices, certain vegetables such as onions and pea pods, yogurt and sour cream. Stress is the main emotional trigger that leads to migraine headaches. Not all triggers are avoidable, but knowing them can create awareness as to when to expect them.
A headache diary compiles of the headache history, its occurrence and factors that cause it, hence a common element can be determined from a series of noted attacks. Maintaining such a diary is very beneficial to the patient and the doctor as it helps the doctor diagnose the exact type of headache and the treatment that most benefits with that particular kind of headache. This diary includes, when exactly such headaches start, how often they occur, its duration, area of pain, triggers, intensity and type of pain, how daily life is impacted, medication taken if any and symptoms felt before the onset of headaches.
Stress is a part of everyone’s life and to get rid of it completely is not possible but keeping it in control can help prevent or reduce migraine headaches to a great extent, as migraines occur due to the body's reaction to stress, anxiety, shock, anger, depression and fatigue. Knowledge of the stress factor which is triggering migraine can avoid such situations wherever possible. Also, biofeedback, relaxation techniques, exercise, and rest helps reduce stress and improves a person's physical, mental and emotional health
Conclusions
With the cause of migraine not known, it is very imperative to remember that there are numerous agents that one can try for migraine prevention and more than likely one of them will work. With prevention therapies being underutilized, unfortunately results in excessive disability for migraine patients.