Ways to Combat a Migraine Headache

We have all had the irritation of a headache. We take two aspirin and it goes away. However, for many people, headaches can be debilitating and cause other symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, sensitivity to light, and distorted vision. These are migraine headaches, and, for some can happen once in a while, but, for others, are much more frequent or even daily. 

There are a variety of migraine headaches, including: common migraines (migraines without an aura); classic migraines (migraines with an aura); menstrual migraines; vestibular migraines (causes mainly vertigo and dizziness); complex migraines (long term classic migraine that can mimic a stroke); and occipital migraines (migraines behind the eye).

Here are some ways to help combat a migraine and alleviate the symptoms as quickly as possible:

1. Medications – there are a variety of medications on the market to help you with your migraine battle. Medications range from a daily pill to keep the symptoms at bay to a pill to take when the migraine strikes. There are now injections that can be prescribed on a monthly basis as well.  While these medications have been known to show a decrease in the number of migraine headaches in the users, there are possible side effects to every medication you take. It’s always advisable to check with your doctor.
2. Daith piercing – this theory has been tested and has had a very positive response. When people who experience migraine headaches have their daith pierced, they see a decrease in the number of migraines they experience.
3. Oils – the use of natural oils on your head or by smell can help trigger relaxation and melt tension away to ease the pain level.
4. Cold or hot packs – placing a cold or hot pack on the back of your neck or head opens up the ventricles in your head and can also help ease the pain level.
5. Rest – a dark room and plenty of rest is very important to help combat unwanted migraines.
6. Consider the source – the most important thing when treating a migraine is trying to consider the source. Do you need to eat? Do you need caffeine? Are you dehydrated? Could your migraine be caused by something you ate or drank, such as chocolate, maybe a glass of wine?  Then avoid those in the future. 
7. Journal, journal, journal – keep a headache journal so you can track your migraines. You know when they happen, what you are doing, what you ate, and drank. Being knowledgeable can allow you to take control.

There are people who have to use a combination of remedies to combat migraine headaches in order to function, some on a daily basis.  Find the ways that best help you and stick with them. Most importantly, talk to your doctor about your symptoms. Having a good plan of action for treatment will ensure that you are caring for yourself during the time of a headache, which is most important.