About this topic
A migraine is a specific type of headache. All headaches are not migraines. A migraine is caused by abnormal brain activity. It may be due to widening or narrowing of the blood vessels in the head. It may last for a couple of hours or even a few days. ‚
There are two types of migraine: ‚
- Classical migraine ¢ ˆ ’ It often starts with some problems in your eyesight called auras. You may see spots, dots, or even zigzag lines. An aura is the signal that a migraine is coming. It is followed by a very bad headache on one side of the head. Noise, light, and other activities can make it worse. Sometimes, it comes with upset stomach and throwing up.
- Common migraines ¢ ˆ ’ These happen without an aura.
Migraines can be treated with different drugs. Some drugs treat the pain. Other drugs stop the brain activity that causes the migraine. If migraines happen often, drugs that prevent migraines can help. Migraines can be helped by sleep. Stress control like exercise, relaxation, and a regular routine of good nutrition and sleep are all helpful in preventing migraines. Lifestyle and dietary changes may also help you deal with a migraine. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Your doctor may give you drugs to help with the pain. Take them as ordered by your doctor.
- Your doctor may teach you some ways to help control your migraine like relaxation and exercises.
- Keep a diary about your headaches. Write down when your headache happens. Write down what you were doing before it happened. Write down any foods or drinks that you had in the last day. This will help you learn what might be causing your headaches. Then, you can learn how to avoid them.
- Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over your head. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- Using heat may also help. Try using a heating pad on the back of your neck. A warm shower or bath may also relax tight muscles.
- Avoid bright lights and noise. Rest in a quiet, dark room. Sleep may also help.
- Drink a caffeinated beverage. Be careful to not drink too much caffeine as this can cause other headaches.
- Do not make any big decisions until your migraine goes away.
- If certain drugs your doctor ordered trigger your migraine, your doctor may tell you to stop taking those drugs.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Your doctor may send you to a specialist called a neurologist.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Relieve the migraine
- Prevent a migraine attack
- Treat an upset stomach and throwing up
- Treat a hormonal problem
Will physical activity be limited?
- Regular exercise can help prevent migraines. If exercise triggers your migraine, talk to your doctor.
- Do not drive or run machinery until your migraine goes away.
What changes to diet are needed?
- Do not skip or delay meals. Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water each day. This may help prevent migraines.
- Avoid foods that may trigger the attack. These may include processed, fermented, pickled, or marinated foods. Some of these are baked goods, chocolate, dairy products, nuts, onions, and peanut butter. Others are fruits like avocado, banana, or citrus fruit and meats like bacon, hot dogs, and cured meats.
- Limit caffeine intake. You will find that caffeine may help relieve pain. But, too much caffeine may also trigger an attack.
- Avoid drinking beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol) if you think this is causing your migraines.
- Quit smoking. Smoking can worsen your migraine.
What problems could happen?
- Loss of work time or missing school if migraines come often
- Low mood, worry
- Poor quality of life
- Migraines can slightly raise your chances of having a stroke
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Some drugs may help prevent migraines. Talk to your doctor about the drugs you may need to take.
- Keep a sleeping routine. Go to sleep and get up the same time every day.
- Take note of the things that may trigger your migraine. Learning what they are is very important to help avoid an attack.
- Try to keep stress in your life low. Try different relaxation exercises or meditation to lower stress.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of a very bad reaction. These include very bad headache beyond the usual; speech, vision, motion problems or loss of balance; headaches are worse when lying down or headaches suddenly starts. Go to the ER right away.
- Changes in migraine attacks
- Migraines that happen more often than 3 times a month
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you what I will do if there is a change in my headaches.
Where can I learn more?
FamilyDoctor.org ‚
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/migraines.html ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Migraine/Pages/Causes.aspx ‚
The National Migraine Association ‚
http://www.migraines.org/disability/index.htm ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚