Looking After Yourself When a Migraine Hits
When I was a teenager I suffered from migraines terribly, these days I always feel like my head isn’t quite right. While some days it really does feel unbearable and all I went to do is curl up in a dark room with no light or sound.
What are Migraines?
A migraine is moderate to severe throbbing pain in one side of the head (though for some people it can happen on both sides and affect the neck too).
However, there are actually multiple types. For instance, some people see lights or have other warning signs before the pain hits which is referred to as a migraine with aura. If you don’t have warning signs it’s a migraine without aura. There are also people who experience the aura and other migraine symptoms without the migraine.
Alongside the throbbing pain in your head some people also experience:
Feeling or being sick.
Increased sensitivity to light and sound.
Abdominal Pain.
Sweating.
Poor Concentration.
Migraines can happen anywhere from multiple times a week, to once in a blue moon for people. While they can last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours and even once the migraine itself has subsided the tiredness can carry on for days.
Migraines and The Pandemic.
Incredibly it is thought that over 10 million people in the UK suffer from migraines. For many of these people, the pandemic has both been a blessing and a curse. With them finding the stress and worry has sadly increased their symptoms. Of course, also being in front of screens for longer and being less active, has also had a knock-on effect.
That said some have also found ways it has helped their migraines; such as being able to take breaks more often and making sure they drink more water. While also taking a step back from the rat race that can sometimes be life has also helped some.
How to Help your Migraine.
One of the things most people want to know when suffering from a migraine is how can I help it?
Of course, one of the best things you can do when suffering a migraine attack is to retreat to a darkened, quiet room and try and sleep.
Painkillers can also help, although they are best taken at the first sign of a migraine, to best help. Sadly if you wait until the pain worsens, it is often too late for them to help.
There are also items you can have around that can help to reach for. A pair of sunglasses to help with light, while a hot or cold compress can often help as well. Plus a small caffeinated drink is actually a good idea, so let yourself enjoy a tea or small coffee.
What’s more, there are things you can do in your everyday life to try and help put at bay migraine attacks. Sticking to a routine, eating healthily, sleeping well and managing your stress levels can help long term.
Of course, these are just a small number of ways you can try and help yourself when suffering from a migraine attack. I would be interested to know if you have come up with any unique ways to help yourself?
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I’ve suffered from migraines since I was 12, I’m now 34.
I get the whole package, sickness, headache, aura, flashing lights etc
Sadly I have tried all of the things you’ve recommended and for me none of it ever worked 😔
I take a daily prescribed medication now to try and prevent them and it kind of works, I only have 2/3 migraines a month now.
I just hate the way that people don’t understand how debilitating a migraine can be unless they actually suffered from one.
Oh no, I am so sorry you have suffered from them for so long, I am so glad though that you have found something that seems to work for you.
These would be useful to share with my neighbour as she has frequent migraine attacks.
Oh no I am so sorry your neighbour struggles with migraines they are awful!
This is such a helpful guide. Migraines are absolutely horrendous and it can be so debilitating when one strikes.
They are really awful aren’t they – I am so glad you found the guide helpful.
Really interesting, I’m currently pregnant and I’m sure the hormones are making my migraines so much more frequent at the minute! x
Oh no, I am so sorry it has been hit you like that. It is crazy what hormones can do to you!
A cold pack on my eye, lying in the bed for me.
I’m trying meditation too, since I read that could help…
I am glad you have found some things which do seem to help you out.
I find plunging hands and wrists into the hottest water you can stand for a few minutes helps. I think it helps with blood flow.
Ohh I might have to give that a try thank you so much!
I am fortunate to have never experienced a migrane, and I certainly don’t want to either. I can’t stand headaches and even just a simple tension headache is bad enough. Migraines sound like hell to go through, but it’s good to be reassured that there are things I can do to ease it should one arise. Thank you for ashing. x
I hope you never have to go through a migraine! They are absolutely awful to deal with I have to say.
I started suffering from migraines after the birth of my first child 8 years ago and get a migraine about once every few months, I haven’t found a way to stop one once it has started but I find if it is cold outside and I go for a walk or just stand there it gives me some relief
Oh gosh, that doesn’t sound good – it seems crazy to me all the things pregnancy can bring on in the body!
I suffer migraines for 30 years, and stopped after menopause. They are back now after 10 years of not having them .
Oh gosh, that must be awful especially having the back after so long!
Some great ideas here. Be useful to share with my brother as he suffers with migraines every now and again.
I hope they help him a little a bit!
I have suffered so much over the last few years with migraines . I’m sure I make them worse by the stress !
Oh no I am so sorry – yes I’m sure stress can be a huge trigger for them!
I suffer with vestibular migraines, I find sitting and putting my head between my knees and closing my eyes for a few minutes helps briefly. I also agree caffeine helps, sometimes a sit down with a hot coffee or a chilled coke really does solve all.
Oh gosh, that sounds absolutely awful! I am glad you have found things that can help just a little.
When I get a migraine, the only thing that seems to work is lying in a dark room with a cold cloth over my eyes and trying to sleep
It is amazing how temperature be it hot or cold can often help a lot.
I get migraines every so often and I don’t know how I would handle it if I had them as often as other people. I hope these tips work for them!
I hope they help you a little! It is worrying how often some people can get them.
I hadn’t heard of Paingone Qalm – so useful to have a tens machine for the forehead.
It is such a great gadget, isn’t it? It is amazing how TENS can work for some people.
Some very useful advice here, thanks. I’ve suffered from migraines for years and any hints on coping with them are very welcome.
Fingers crossed they help you a little. It can be such a debilitating thing to suffer from.
What a great post filled with helpful tips for those who suffer from migranes. Fortunately, I don’t but I know people who do and it is quite debilitating. Thanks for sharing.
It can be absolutely awful can’t it? Just completely take a person away from living their life when they hit.
I rarely experience it, fortunately. Getting to a dark quiet helps a lot, I agree. These are helpful tips!
I am glad you think they are helpful as well – I am glad you don’t have migraines too often!
I feel very fortunate that I’ve never really suffered with migraines, but when I get a headache I do find that drinking water helps x
Yeah water can make such a difference, dehydration is not good for anyone.
I have been so fortunate to not have migraines but I know so many who suffer from them. Its debilitating for sure for some.
They are awful things to suffer from, I feel for anyone who gets them regularly.
I suffer from migraines and they are the worst. I use Excedrin, and that usually helps me. You’re right about taking it right away though. If you wait to long, it usually doesn’t help.
I used to have to take migraleve I think it was in pink and yellow and I’d have to make sure I timed it all well too.
My daughter has what is diagnosed as ongoing migraine which means she has them 24/7 we have tried so many treatments
Oh gosh, that is absolutely awful for her. I hope you find something that works.
I count myself very lucky not to suffer from this particular malady. My brother-in-law does from time to time and it really takes it out of him.
They are really hard to deal with and definitely leave you feeling very tired after.
I hate migraine, it happens to me sometimes and mine includes my neck.
Oh gosh I bet that feels awful having it in your neck as well.
My aunt has been suffering from severe migraines for years. They can be very debilitating. It’s great to know there are things that can help.
I’m so sorry your aunt suffers from migraines as well. Awful things to have to go through.
These are never fun to go through. I don’t get many migraines, but I know lots of people who do.
They are so common aren’t they amongst people which is such a shame.
I’ve been lucky enough to never really suffer with migranes *touch wood*, though have friends who do. Interesting that you can have a little tea or coffee, I would have thought that would make it worse, but I am all for picking up on these tips to pass on! Sim x
I have to admit I thought it would as well with caffeine, so definitely surprised me when I found out that little fact as well. Just need to make sure you don’t go crazy on it.
My sister suffers from migraines. These are tips that I will share with her.
I hope they help her out a little, they are horrid to have to deal with.