If you’ve ever had a migraine attack, you know for sure how debilitating this condition can be. Unlike typical headaches, migraines are more painful and they persist for long hours, sometimes days. According to doctors, a migraine usually comes with other symptoms that make you feel dizzy and sick to your stomach. It can prevent you from going to school or to your workplace. But most of all, serious headaches may lead to brain damage too, new research has found.
In a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, scientists found that women who have migraines are twice more likely than non-sufferers to develop structural brain changes or lesions.
The migraine-induced lesions are caused by the insufficient blood flow to certain areas in the brain, said Dr David W. Dodick, a professor of neurology at the Mayo Clinic and president-elect of the American Headache Society. He explains that as one goes deeper and deeper into the brain, the blood vessels become smaller and smaller. Due to this, some parts of the brain may no longer get sufficient supply of blood, especially when the patient has a reduced blood flow (which normally happens during a migraine). Overtime, the lack of blood supply leads to damage in the brain tissues. Good thing, brain lesions don’t seem to cause long-term effects on cognitive function or memory, Dr Dodick added.
If you usually suffer from migraines, it is important that you consult your doctor as soon as possible. Meanwhile, here are some things you can do to manage the pain and prevent possible brain damage:
1.Know your enemies.
If you know what triggers your migraine attack, you can definitely avoid them. Whether it’s the cigarette smoke, too much sun exposure, or lack of sleep – write them down and stay cautious.
2.Move, move, move!
According to Dr Dodick, regular exercise has been shown to prevent migraines. So make it a habit to spare at least 20-30 minutes every day on physical activities. When you exercise, your brain releases endorphins. These are hormones that act as your body’s natural painkillers.
3.Pop a pill.
When no immediate treatment is available, you can count on painkillers. Dr Dodick said it is okay to take 400mg to 800mg of ibuprofen or Excedrin. You don’t want to get to the peak of your migraine, really.
4.Try herbal medicine.
A cup of hot tea made from lemon balm, peppermint, oregano, or vervain can bring you comfort in the middle of a weakening migraine. You may also try soaking in herbal baths (such as aromatherapy), or do some stimulating foot baths to dispel the tension in your head.
5.Consider biofeedback
This non-drug approach is a proven method in alleviating headache or migraine. This therapy involves learning how to control the body’s level of excitation and temperate through meditation and similar practises. Biofeedback has other health benefits too, and that includes lowering the risk of heart attacks, adds Dr Dodick.
6.Take supplements.
Sometimes, a headache is a warning from your body that you fell short of essential vitamins and minerals. Dr Dodick recommends taking supplements that contain riboflavin, magnesium, coenzyme Q10 and butterbur.
7.Try acupuncture
This 2-000 year-old Chinese therapy has gained massive popularity worldwide due to its amazing health effects. It is used primarily to ease pain and promote relaxation. In fact, the American Headache Society recommends acupuncture for migraine.
Dear Readers,
Do these tips help eleviate your migraines? What methods do you use?
