How To Reduce Migraine Intensity

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Although there is as yet no cure for migraine headaches, some action can be taken to delay or reduce their devastating effects. Knowing personal signs, symptoms and triggering events is vital to pre-treatment.

Migraine triggers are many and varied. Almost every migraineur has at least one trigger that another individual has never even heard of. Some triggers only work in combination. For example, hot dogs and bright sunlight, or stress and lack of sleep. Knowing this, some migraines can be avoided altogether, and some throbbing headaches can be turned into less painful, more easily treated headaches.

Avoid Headache Triggers

Once migraine triggers have been identified, avoidance is the new goal. But not all triggers can be avoided. Lack of sleep, for instance, is simply a way of life for new parents. In this case the plan would be to avoid any other additional triggers so that the number of migraine headaches can at least be reduced. For example, knowing that migraine headaches may also be triggered by hunger or dehydration, the new parent can make an effort to eat regularly and drink lots of water.

Plan to Prevent or Delay the Migraine

It is essential that migraineurs discover and understand what situations can trigger migraine in themselves. Each unique brain has different sensitivities. However, some headache causes are very common, and even knowing these common triggers and treatments can help sufferers to avoid some migraines.

-Bright or intense light can be mitigated by keeping sunglasses within reach, even indoors.
-Extreme heat or cold can cause headaches. Wear a shady hat in summer and a warm one in winter.
-Exertion is a common trigger, especially if combined with another – for example, shovelling snow or digging a new garden when the sun is blazing down. Recognization is the first step.
-If a probable triggering situation is unavoidable, pre-treat the prospective migraine by using anti-inflammatory pain relievers to delay the onset and reduce the pain once the migraine begins. For example, take ibuprofen before going to the beach.
-The flickering light of flourescents is a recognized trigger, switch to incandescent light.

Recognize Early Migraine Signs and Symptoms

Some headaches seem to have no identifiable or avoidable source. By recognizing the early warning signs that a migraine is inevitable, it is possible to delay or reduce headache pain to some extent, perhaps keeping it to eight or 12 hours instead of a couple of days.

-Always have medications at hand, in a pocket, purse, wallet or drawer. To avoid over medicating, wait until there is no doubt that a migraine has begun, then take a large enough dose or combination of medications to make a difference. Taking too little can just prolong the headache pain. Playing catch-up doesn’t work and makes the migraine last longer.
-Take meds with a hot drink to help absorption.
-Lie down in a quiet, dark room if possible.
-If cold hands and feet are a warning sign, soaking hands in hot water, or using a heating pad under the feet can help delay the onset of pain, and make it easier to rest.
-Make a migraine treatment plan. Write it down, as it’s too hard to think when in pain. Know what to do – where to find pain relief, how much and how it should be taken. Have the decision made, and the means available to get home safely when a devastating migraine is inevitable. Don’t leave it to chance.

Paying attention to symptoms and knowing triggers can help survive severe migraine headaches. Early treatment can delay a migraine or make it easier to live with.