What is Considered a Migraine?
A migraine is a severe headache usually paired with an intense throbbing or pulsing sensation and is typically on one side of the head. Some common symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Extreme sensitivity to light and/or sound
- Mood changes
- Auras (vision loss, bright spots in vision, weakness/numbness in the face or one side of the body)
Often, those suffering from migraines are very willing to find the best remedies to relieve the pain they feel frequently, and that is sometimes debilitating. While treatments and medications prescribed by doctors can be helpful, there are many easy and at-home remedies you can try to help get your symptoms under control. [1]
Potential Causes
Genetics and environmental factors can play a role in your susceptibility to migraines. Another possible cause could be a chemical imbalance in your brain, including serotonin. Some common triggers include:
- Hormonal differences in women
- Drinking too much alcohol or caffeine
- Stress at work and/or at home
- Too much sensory stimuli
- Changes in your regular sleeping patterns
- Atypical physical strain
- Changes in the weather
- Various medications
- Certain salty or processed foods [1]
What Can I Do For Relief?
Now that you might have identified what caused your migraine and what symptoms you are suffering from, here are some simple remedies to help soothe your pain. You can use the remedies listed below in addition to any medications you might already be taking.
- Massaging Your Scalp. Applying pressure or massage to your muscles helps promote good blood flow; the same goes for your brain. You can give yourself a massage or ask a trusted person to help you out.
- Adequate Sleep. Getting too much or not enough sleep can be the cause of your migraine, so be sure to maintain healthy sleeping habits to prevent further attacks. Some might also find taking a nap helpful in relieving symptoms or giving yourself a break from triggers such as light.
- Cold or Hot Compress. As found with many of these tips, each person finds relief differently. A bag of ice or cold compress can help ease your pain, but do not leave it on for too long. Hot compresses and a nice warm shower can be used as well. However, when using the compresses, only use them in 15-minute intervals.
- Hydrate. Try to keep up with your water intake and keep a glass of water near you often. Dehydration is often a cause of a migraine attack.
- Essential oils. This remedy might not work for everyone and, in some cases, make your symptoms worse. However, if you have a favorite scent that helps relieve some of your stress, you can use it in small doses. [2]
Fastest Way To Relief
If you feel a sudden migraine attack coming along, these are some things you can do to try to get some fast relief.
- Block out all noise. Loud noises aggravate a migraine and may even make it worse. Try to find a quiet, empty place if you can. If you cannot find somewhere quiet, you can also try noise-canceling headphones.
- Go somewhere dark. Bright lights can also be triggers for migraine headaches, so if your symptoms are getting worse or you feel the migraine coming, see if you can find a dark room to go to. You can also invest in a sleep mask that you could put on to help further block out light.
- Avoid strong scents or perfumes. Sensitivity to smell is a common migraine symptom; try to avoid perfumes, gasoline, pungent food, or chemical odors if possible. These can make your migraine worse or cause you to have one.
- Take Over-The-Counter Anti-Inflammatory Drugs. These can help relieve some pain associated with migraines. Make sure to consult with your doctor before using any medication. Some examples of medicines you can take are Ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin.
- Lower your temperature. Staying cool can help relieve pain if overheating is causing your migraine. Fans and air conditioners work well to help lower your temperature [2]
