It's National Migraine Awareness Month! 4 Ways to Stop Suffering
Amy Paturel, SELF magazine
June is National Migraine Awareness Month. And while anyone who suffers from these debilitating headaches doesn't need a designated month to tune into the pain, you might be interested to learn that migraines affect far more women than men, and are the most common complaint among patients who come to emergency rooms, according to a new report from the federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
Unlike a traditional tension headache, migraines can sideline victims for days at a time. Ninety percent of the nearly 30 million migraine sufferers also experience migraine-related nausea, and migraines are among the top reasons for lost productivity in the workplace.
Related: 10 Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore
So what's the solution? Currently, the jury is out. In the meantime, these tips from Dr. Richard B. Lipton, director of the Montefiore Headache Unit in New York, may help minimize migraine pain:
1. See a doctor. There are medications and treatments available to help manage and prevent migraine pain. And if you can't tolerate oral medications because of migraine-related nausea, your doc may have some remedies for that as well. The important thing is to make sure a professional is monitoring you since people who have migraines -- especially migraines with auras -- are at a slightly higher risk for stroke.
2. Identify your triggers. Once you identify your personal triggers (everything from chocolate and wine to flashing lights, strong odors and weather changes), you can stave off headaches before they strike. In fact, sometimes all it takes is a well-timed cup of coffee (coffee helps control minor vascular headaches) or retreating to a dark, cool and quiet room.
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3. Take a supplement. Some scientists believe that magnesium deficiency may be responsible for migraine pain. Proper supplementation during your period, for example, when most women are magnesium-deficient, may help rid your head of monthly migraines.
4. Relax.Deep belly breathing, meditation techniques and guided imagery have also been shown to help reduce migraine pain. What's more, reducing stress levels may even help prevent migraine headaches before they start!
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