Posts Tagged ‘headache relief’
Tuesday, November 29th, 2011
Does thinking about the holidays cause headaches? Learn how to manage your migraines… eat migraine-friendly party foods…reduce stress…determine your seasonal migraine triggers…and have the holiday you deserve!
There’s nothing merry about migraines.
Let’s face it- most of us get a bit stressed out as the holiday season approaches. Even if you don’t suffer from migraine headaches, you’re liable to get the occasional tension headache. Family stress, work deadlines, pricey gift tags, and the constant influx of party food and alcohol all add up to one big migraine attack.
Don’t let the Migraine Monster turn you into a Grinch! Here are some excellent tips for coping with stress and finding headache relief…
Watch out! Here come the triggers…
What are the classic holiday comfort foods? Hot cocoa, nut-crusted cheese balls, wine spritzers, ginger spiced cappuccinos, gifted dried salami, ageless fruitcake, chocolate-coated EVERYTHING, and Buffet Casserole Surprise.
These are all trigger foods for some unsuspecting migraineur.
Tip #1- Question the cook, or bring your own goods to the party!
Avoiding Migraine Triggers- Here, There and Everywhere
Don’t be the life of the party!
You’re going to be in many situations during the next few months in which you will be offered numerous alcoholic drinks, at either work parties, family parties, or New Year’s Day parties.
Tip #2- Avoid hangover headaches by knowing your alcohol limit!
Rest up.
 Don’t go to late-night parties, and don’t be ashamed to excuse yourself early if you feel tired. Disturbing your regular sleep pattern is your ticket to migraines. Avoid sleeping late, even when you have the day off, and resist the temptation to take a cozy winter afternoon nap.
Tip #3- Sleep regular hours to avoid headache symptoms!
Are Sleep Seizures, Exploding Head Noises Causing Insomnia?
Practice mindfulness…
When you can’t remove yourself from a stressful situation, you need to learn how to cope. Learn how to recognize certain cues as your body’s natural reaction to stress- heart palpitations, tension headache, profuse sweating, and anxious thoughts. Accept that stress and anxiety come and go, and that you have the ability to control your response, and thus prevent stress-related migraine headaches.
Tip #4- Understand that migraines don’t own you!
Top 20 Simple Lifestyle Modifications to Prevent Migraines
Keep moving!
Assuming that physical exertion is not one of your migraine triggers, try to include exercise in your daily schedule- even if it means avoiding the elevator, parking on the other side of the parking lot, or walking to work. Exercise reduces stress, burns calories, increases circulation, and promotes good feelings.
Tip #5- Stay active!
8 Ways to Avoid Exercise Headaches after Working Out
Slow down…
Ignore the collective holiday frenzy. You don’t have to make it to the mall before it closes- it will open again tomorrow. Guaranteed. And if you get stuck in traffic, use the opportunity to practice relaxation techniques, collect your thoughts, clean out your purse (with one hand!), or just listen to the radio.
Tip #6- Take it easy!
Get real!
Many of us have unrealistic expectations when it comes to the holiday season. We’re so worried about keeping up with the Jones’ holiday parties, and finding our place in the Have’s and Have-not’s, that we often forget to appreciate the circle of friends and family that we already have. No wonder you have headaches!
Tip #7- Find some holiday truth!
5 Simple Ways to Build a Migraine Support System of Friends
Recognize the symptoms of depression.
This is probably the hardest part of the holiday season for migraine sufferers- it’s the Depression Double Whammy! Migraine patients are naturally prone to depression and anxiety. Add to that seasonal depression that affects migraineurs and non-migraineurs alike, and you have a prescription for disaster. Studies prove that depression worsens chronic headaches, causing a vicious circle.
Tip #8- Conquer depression: stay connected to friends, seek help, find out if you suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and if necessary, inquire about taking antidepressants.
7 Websites that will Change your Life and Make you Happier
Chalk it up to the weather!
Weather changes are a common migraine triggers for many headache sufferers- shifting barometric pressure, temperature ups and downs, and humidity cause constant seasonal headaches.
Tip #9- You can’t avoid the weather, but you can prepare for it!
Don’t get sniffly!
Flu bugs, head congestion, fever, watery eyes, sore throat, and sinus headaches are all unfortunate realities of the holiday season. Find out if natural migraine remedies can help alleviate some of your cold symptoms as well. Take extra vitamin C. Gargle salt water often. Use saline eye drops. Ask your headache doctor if antihistamines are safe for you to have on your current migraine management plan.
Tip #10- Nurse yourself well!
Read more about migraine prevention:
Can Anxiety Attacks cause Migraines?
De-Clutter your Home, De-Clutter your Mind for Stress Relief
Sources:
What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?
6 Mindful Ways to Minimize Holiday Stress
New survey highlights holiday misery for migraineurs
How to Avoid Holiday-Induced Migraines
Image credits, from top:
Idea go, photostock, Ron Bird
Tags: chronic headaches, Coping with stress, Depression and Anxiety, headache relief, headache symptoms, manage migraines, migraine attack, migraine headaches, migraine triggers, natural migraine remedies, Reduce stress, Relaxation techniques, Seasonal affective disorder, Seasonal depression, Seasonal headaches, sinus headaches, Tension headache, Ways to reduce stress
Posted in Migraine Prevention | No Comments »
Thursday, November 17th, 2011
If you suffer from frequent headaches, then you need to see a doctor for migraines right away- You might have migraine headaches, or another form of chronic headaches. Knowing which kind of doctor to see for migraines depends on your migraine headache symptoms, and specific needs for migraine treatment.
What kind of Doctor should I see for Migraines?
Part I: Primary Care Physicians
Most chronic headache sufferers begin migraine headache treatment by visiting their primary care physician, or family doctor. This is because they have established a patient history with them, and because they feel comfortable visiting a doctor whose advice they already trust. If your primary care doctor is unable to treat you for migraine headaches, then he will refer you to a specialist.
Even if your family doctor has not received training in migraine illness, he does have a basic set of principles to refer to in diagnosing your condition. These 12 principles for migraine management in primary care are as follows:
- Most headaches are benign, and can be treated by any competent physician.
- By supplying a questionnaire, you can determine to what extent chronic headaches have affected the patient’s quality of life (daily activities, work, etc.). This information is crucial for diagnosing illness and prescribing treatment.
- A physician-patient bond is necessary for providing migraine management.
- Migraine management should be specific to the patient, and tailored to meet his/her needs. Patient should be able to manage migraine treatments self-sufficiently.
 Physicians should routinely check up on their patient by reviewing a migraine diary in which the patient records migraine triggers, headache symptoms, foods eaten, and other relevant everyday headache information.
- Schedule re-evaluation check-ups, with special attention given to frequency of migraine drug use, and relative success in providing migraine headache relief.
- Migraine treatment should be adapted continuously to meet the changing needs of the migraine headache patient.
- Urge patients to use prescribed acute migraine medications responsibly, as indicated.
- Prescribe a pain reliever or other rescue treatment as a backup for when standard migraine treatments fail.
- For patients who don’t respond well to migraine medications, or who suffer more than four migraine attacks in one month, prescribe preventative migraine medications, in addition to suggesting certain lifestyle changes that are conducive to better migraine management.
- When prescribing preventative migraine treatments, take into account any comorbid conditions the patient might have.
- Develop a healthy professional relationship with your patient based on trust, mutual agreement, and consideration for the patient’s lifestyle.
When is it time to switch headache doctors?
If you feel that your primary care physician is not meeting your needs, then it might be time to shop around for a doctor that specializes in the field of migraine headaches.
Parts II and III discuss headaches specialists and neurologists.
Read more about migraine treatment:
How to make your own Emergency Migraine Attack Survival Pack
Top 20 Simple Lifestyle Modifications to Prevent Migraines
Improve your Memory while taking Topamax for Migraines
20 Best Blog Sites for Migraine Information and Inspiration
Top 20 Websites for Migraine Headache Patients
35 Things you should never tell a Chronic Migraine Sufferer
Sources:
Which Doctors Provide Migraine Treatment?
Establishing principles for migraine management in primary care- PubMed NCBI
Image credits, from top:
Ambro, cohdra, photostock, scottchan
Tags: chronic headaches, constant headaches, Frequent headaches, headache relief, Headaches, Headaches everyday, Migraine, migraine headache treatment, migraine headaches, migraine medications, migraine relief, migraine symptoms, migraine treatment, Primary care physicians, what kind of doctor to see for migraines
Posted in Migraine Treatments | No Comments »
Monday, November 14th, 2011
Migraine aura can cause strange migraine headache symptoms like visual distortions, speech slurring, nausea…and hot flashes. With or without throbbing headaches, migraine with aura can be disconcerting. Learn about what causes migraines with aura, and how you can find headache relief.
Migraine headache symptoms
Migraine headaches strike millions of Americans, but overwhelming majorities of migraine sufferers are women, about three to one. Migraine symptoms include throbbing headaches on one side, in addition to other symptoms like sharp eye pain, neck and shoulder pain, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, extreme sensitivity to light, noise, and smells, and vertigo. Comorbid conditions of migraine illness are depression, chronic fatigue, anxiety, and sleep problems.
Also, read What are the Signs of Migraine Attack? 30 Migraine Symptoms
Migraine aura- with or without headache symptoms
A migraine aura happens about fifteen minutes before a migraine attack. Migraines with aura may or may not result in severe headache, but they are still migraines. Migraine aura symptoms include sudden distorted speech patterns (talking gibberish), distorted sense of spatial awareness, visual hallucinations, temporary partial blindness, olfactory hallucinations, temporary partial paralysis, muscular feebleness, loss of consciousness, dizziness, and nausea. Migraine aura symptoms are often confused with epileptic seizure or stroke.
Migraine auras separate from the migraine prodrome phase, which occurs a few days before a migraine attack. For more info on migraine phases, read The Four Phases of Migraine Headache Attacks
Hot flashes and migraine aura- studies confirm a link
Another migraine aura symptom that sometimes shocks many migraine patients is sudden hot flashes, similar to those experienced during menopause. Migraine “vasomotor” symptoms are hot face, including cheeks, nose, and ears, sweating from the face, and red, flushed cheeks. The vasomotor reaction to migraines is part of migraine aura.
- In 2009, a German study focusing on vasomotor reactivity in migraine with aura found a higher incidence of vasomotor changes among migraine with aura (MA) patients than those who did not experience aura with their migraines.
- In 2008, a study conducted by an Italian university focused on increased cerebral vasomotor reactivity and cerebral blood flow among migraine with aura patients. Scientists noted a significant alteration of cerebral autoregulation, including vasomotor reaction, among migraine with aura sufferers
What to do about migraine aura hot flashes:
Women, determine that your hot flashes are not menopausal, or perimenopausal. If your hot headedness is part of migraine aura symptoms, then your best bet is to respond immediately with migraine medication, in addition to natural migraine ingredients , such as magnesium, and butterbur, and riboflavin.
Read more about migraines with aura:
Go Ask Alice: Migraine Auras in Wonderland
Why do Migraines cause Nausea and Vomiting?
Sources:
Changes in functional vasomotor reactivity in migraine with aura- PubMed NCBI
Increased cerebral vasomotor reactivity in migraine with aura: an autoregulation disorder? A transcranial Doppler and near-infrared spectroscopy study- PubMed NCBI
Migraine with aura- Mayo Clinic
Photo credits, from top:
justDONQUE.images, cohdra
Tags: Causes of migraines, chronic headaches, Complex migraine symptoms, constant headaches, Frequent headaches, Headache back of head, headache causes, headache relief, Headaches everyday, Hot flashes, Migrain, Migraine, migraine aura, migraine headache, migraine headache symptoms, migraine headache treatment, migraine headaches, Migraine headaches symptoms, migraine medications, migraine relief, migraine treatment, migraine triggers, migraine with aura, migranes, Natural Headache Remedies, prodrome, severe headache, stress headaches, Throbbing headache, Vasomotor, What causes migraines
Posted in Migraine Headache Symptoms | No Comments »
Friday, November 11th, 2011
Not all chronic headaches are migraine headaches- many types of headaches require special care beyond Excedrin for migraine headaches. With cluster headaches, specific treatment is required in order to avoid suffering rebound headaches.
Even if you suspect your headaches are not symptoms of migraines, it is still crucial to see a doctor before attempting to treat your head pain. Taking the wrong type of pain medication could make your headache symptoms worse.
Parts 1 and 2 dealt with migraine headaches and other headache types, including sinus headaches, and tension headaches. Part 3 addresses cluster headaches and rebound headaches, including symptoms and treatment.
Cluster headaches
Cluster headaches are recurring headaches that come in a set, or “cluster.” Cluster headache periods may be sporadic- you might go weeks, months, or even years without suffering even one episode of cluster headaches. When they do strike, cluster headaches are excruciatingly painful and disabling. Cluster headache patients often describe them as “the worst headaches of their life.” One cluster headache phase can last for approximately one month.
 Symptoms of cluster headaches are:
- Sharp, burning pain on one side of the head
- Pain that emanates from the temple or eye region on either side of the head
- Pain that strikes suddenly and intensifies quickly in a few minutes’ time
- Pain that happens at a consistent time of day
- Puffy, reddened watery eyes
- Droopy, sagging eyelid
- Nasal congestion
Treatments for cluster headaches are:
- Oxygen inhalation therapy
- Triptan medications
- Octreotide
- Lidocaine
- Ergotamine preparations
- Preventative medications include anti-seizure drugs, corticosteroids (short-term), verapamil, and lithium.
Rebound headaches
If your first reaction to headache symptoms is to reach for a bottle of OTC analgesic pain relievers, then you increase your chances of becoming addicted and experiencing rebound headaches. Particularly at risk are headache sufferers who take more pills than recommended on the package label or by their physician. You might feel temporary pain relief, but the withdrawal symptoms you experience later will include recurring headache pain, creating a cycle of addiction that is difficult to break. Prolonged usage of analgesic pain relievers causes a neurological malfunction that interrupts pain signals in the brain.
Medications that cause rebound headaches are:
- Aspirin
- Acetaminophen
- Sinus medicine
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
- Sleeping pills
- Prescription narcotics
- Codeine
- OTC pain relievers that contain caffeine
- Ergotamine medications
- Triptan medications for migraines, if taken more than twice per week
Treatments for rebound headaches include:
- Quitting “cold turkey”
- Weaning off medication through supervised detoxification in a hospital setting
- For prevention of rebound headache, heeding package labels on medications, limiting OTC pain relievers to the smallest possible dose, and no more than twice in one week, unless advised otherwise by your physician
Read more about different types of headaches:
Migraines and other Types of Headaches- How many are there? Part 1
Migraines and other Types of Headaches- How many are there? Part 2
Is it a Cluster Headache or a Migraine?
Are You on the Rebound with Your Headache?
Rebound Headaches, Anyone?
Sources:
Is It a Cluster Headache and What Can Ease the Pain? – Headaches and Migraines – Health.com
Medicines for Cluster Headaches- Health.com
Rebound Headaches- Cleveland Clinic
Image credits, from top:
ToastyKen, aerodesign.pl, Maggie Smith
Tags: chronic headaches, chronic migraines, cluster headaches, constant headaches, Daily headaches, Excedrin headaches, Excedrin migraines, Frequent headaches, headache causes, headache relief, Headaches everyday, migraine headache, migraine headaches, Neck pain and headaches, rebound headaches, severe headache, Shoulder and neck pain, sinus headaches, symptoms of migraines, tension headaches, types of headaches
Posted in Types of Migraines | No Comments »
Thursday, November 10th, 2011
Not all chronic headaches are migraine headaches- many types of headaches require specialized care for pain relief. Whether you have Sinus headaches or tension headaches, knowing how to identify your headache type is the first step in choosing an appropriate headache relief remedy.
Even if you suspect your headaches are not symptoms of migraines, it is still crucial to see a doctor before attempting to treat your head pain. Taking the wrong type of pain medication could make your headache symptoms worse.
Part 1 dealt with migraine headaches. Part 2 addresses non-migraine sinus headaches and tension headaches, including symptoms and treatment.
Sinus headaches
 Your head contains cavities, sinuses, which constantly secrete watery mucus in order to clean out your nasal cavities. Your sinuses are in three locations- behind your forehead, your cheekbones, and your nose. When you are sick, you sometimes feel severe head pain in corresponding “hot spots.” This happens when your sinuses become swollen or irritated, preventing proper drainage of mucus from your nasal cavities.
Symptoms of sinus headaches are:
- Strong head pain in the forehead, bridge of nose, or cheeks
- Feeling of fullness in head, particularly the ears
- Fever, indicating an infection
- Runny nose
- Swollen glands
Treatments for sinus headaches include:
Tension headaches
Tension headaches are caused by muscular constriction in the head, and are the most common type of headache. Still, if you suffer frequent tension headaches- about every other day for several months- then you might be experiencing chronic headaches that require medical attention.
Symptoms of tension headache are:
- Painful pressure in the head and scalp
- Sensation of having a tight band, or vise, wrapped around your head
- Pain that spreads around the entire head, including the temples and scalp
- Shoulder and neck pain
Tension headache triggers are:
Treatments for tension headaches include:
- OTC pain relievers
- Massage, including face, scalp, neck, and shoulders
- Hot or cold compress
- Exercise, both aerobic and muscular strengthening workouts
- Lifestyle changes, such as restrictive diet, increased sleep hours, quitting smoking or drinking
- Stress management, including biofeedback, meditation, and yoga
- Alternative medicine, including herbal supplements, acupuncture, and aromatherapy
Read more about different types of headaches:
Migraines and other Types of Headaches- How many are there? Part 1
Migraine or Sinus Headache? Make Sure your Headache Doctor Knows the Difference
Biofeedback for Treating Migraines- Top 4 FAQ Answered
Managing your Migraines at Work- 4 Healthy Changes in Attitude
Sources:
Sinus Headaches: Symptoms and Treatment
Tension headache: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
Image credits, from top:
Toms Bauģis, Ambro, Getideaka, Stuart Miles,
Tags: chronic headaches, chronic migraines, Frequent headaches, headache causes, headache relief, migraine headache, migraine headaches, severe headache, sinus headaches, symptoms of migraines, tension headaches, types of headaches
Posted in Types of Migraines | No Comments »
Wednesday, November 9th, 2011
Not all chronic headaches were created equal- there are many types of headaches besides migraine headaches, such as sinus headaches, tension headaches, and rare cluster headaches. How many types of headaches are there? Learn more about constant rebound headaches, common migraine triggers, and headache relief remedies.
This is part one, which discusses migraine headaches.
Migraines- Could a headache by any other name be just as severe?
Millions of people suffer from excruciating symptoms of migraines, such as debilitating, severe headaches, extreme nausea and gagging, hypersensitivity to lights, noises, and scents, and unusual visual and olfactory hallucinations. But migraine sufferers aren’t alone in their frequent headache pain; other chronic headache patients experience everyday headaches that don’t classify as “migraine headaches.”
How long will my Migraine Headache Last? A Migraine Symptom Chart
What causes migraines?
It is unproven exactly what causes migraine attacks, but scientists understand that it has to do with blood vessel contractions, various fluctuations in the brain, and inherited brain defects. With migraine headaches, pain occurs on one side of the head, and is often so agonizing that sufferers are unable to work, drive a car, or do much of anything until the pain subsides, which could take anywhere from a couple of hours…to a couple of days.
What are the Signs of Migraine Attack? 30 Migraine Symptoms
How many types of migraines are there?
There are many kinds of migraine headaches, but most generally fall into two categories- migraines with aura, and migraines without aura. An aura is a phenomenon that occurs minutes before a migraine attacks. It serves as a 15-minute warning of an approaching migraine, but doesn’t allow much time to prepare. Occasionally, an aura may occur 24 hours in advance, but that much rarer.
4 Headaches that Require Emergency Intervention
What is a migraine aura?
Symptoms of migraine aura include visual hallucinations described as bright fairy lights, zigzag rainbow squiggles, sparkly “fireflies,” crescent-shaped glowing figures, tunnel vision, and voids- dark blind spots on the edge of one’s field of vision, sometimes causing temporary partial blindness. Other signs of a migraine aura are stroke-like in nature- muscular feebleness, sudden garbled speech behavior, loss of consciousness, and numbness or paralysis on one side of the body. It is important to note that migraines with auras don’t always lead to head pain.
Go Ask Alice: Migraine Auras in Wonderland
Migraine treatments- prescription and natural remedies
Currently, medications for migraine headaches include a variety of treatment types, sometimes prescribed in combinations. Migraine remedies include triptans, which halt an attack, abortive drugs that prevent migraine attacks, narcotic pain relievers, and anti-nausea medications. However, many of these prescription migraine drugs come with adverse side effects.
Improve your Memory while taking Topamax for Migraines
Natural ingredients and exercises for migraines include magnesium, butterbur herbs, riboflavin, acupuncture, aromatherapy, biofeedback, and exercises such as yoga and tai chi. These alternative approaches cause no side effects, and treat the body as a whole.
Read more about migraines and other types of headaches:
6 Migraine Myth-conceptions
Can Anxiety Attacks cause Migraines?
Relieve Your Headaches With Yoga: Try These Moves!
Sources:
5 Types of Headaches- Health.com
Headaches – different types of headaches – WebMD
Migraine: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
Image credits, from top:
Alex E. Proimos, mislav-m, dream designs, Salvatore Vuono, en:Peter Newell, Ambro
Tags: Bad headache, chronic headaches, cluster headaches, constant headaches, Daily migraines, Frequent headaches, headache causes, headache relief, Headaches everyday, Magnesium migraine, migraine headache, Migraine Headache Causes, migraine headache triggers, migraine headaches, migraine remedies, migraine triggers, migraines with aura, Natural remedies for migraines, Neck pain and headaches, Persistent headache, Rebound headaches Chronic migraines, severe headache, sinus headaches, symptoms of migraines, tension headaches, types of headaches, What causes migraines, what is a migraine headache
Posted in Types of Migraines | No Comments »
Friday, September 23rd, 2011
The epilepsy drug Topamax is popular for treating migraines, but headache relief comes at a price- memory loss. To improve your memory, try these online memory games.
Concentrate on this…
Migraine pain is synonymous with words like “torture,” “misery,” “debilitating,” and “agonizing.” It’s no wonder that many migraine headache sufferers will do almost anything to get headache relief, even if it means opting for a headache remedy that causes unfavorable side effects. Topamax, an epilepsy drug, is an anti-seizure medication that is also used to treat migraines, obesity, and alcoholism. Unfortunately, Topamax also causes the following side effects:
- Short-term memory loss
- Difficulty concentrating
- Weakened cognitive reasoning skills
- Decreased vocabulary
- Difficulty organizing thoughts
- Brain fog
Natural ingredients for migraines
Alternative,home-based management for migraines are gaining popularity because they improve neurological health and your body’s response to inflammation, without causing more side effects than conventional migraine treatments, and usually with dramatically fewer side effects.
Some popular nutrients for migraines are magnesium, butterbur extracts, riboflavin, and coenzyme Q10.
Memory games that reverse memory loss
If Topamax is your preferred migraine treatment, then it is imperative that you strengthen your thinking skills. Just as your abs, biceps, or hamstring muscles become weakened with inactivity, so do your brain segments. Choose from a variety of online brain games that focus on specific learning cognitive skills.
Here are some of the best brain exercises for improving memory:
 Attention games:
Count the F’s Brain Teaser
Are you smarter than a chimp?
Inside and Outside
See It, Hear It
Memory games:
Brain Exercises for the Weekend
Memory Matrix
Flex Your Memory
Speed Match
Patterns and numbers:
Tower of Hanoi
Tipping the Scales
The Empty Triangle
Visual puzzles, brainteasers, and optical illuions:
Catch 33
Is the inner shape a real circle?
Pick the missing piece
Are those 2 rows perfectly parallel?
Color tile optical illusion
Language and logic:
In which direction is the bus pictured below traveling?
Words in the brain
Word Bubbles
Crossword Puzzles
Math puzzles:
The Fork in the Road
The Really, Really, Really Big Number
Link-a-Pix
Sudoku
Sources:
Free Memory Games – Brain Games for Adults – RealAge
Test Your Brain With Brain Teasers and Games- SharpBrains
Epilepsy Drug Linked to Memory Problems
Tags: epilepsy drugs, headache relief, headache remedies, Home Remedies for Headaches, How to Improve your Memory, Magnesium and Migraines, Memory Games, migraine cure, migraine headache, migraine symptoms, migraine treatments, Migraines and Topamax, Natural Headache Remedies
Posted in Migraine Treatments | No Comments »
Thursday, September 8th, 2011
Migraine Blogs that Rock- Migravent Review: Where do you go for the freshest, most helpful information on migraine illness and chronic pain? Featured are 20 funny, inspiring migraine blogs you’ll love.
Got Blogs, Will Follow
If you’ve got migraine illness, then you have better things to do with your time than scour the internet for useful information about migraine treatments, symptoms, opinion, and chronic pain therapies, don’t you? Look no further- listed below are the 20 best migraine blogs, listed according to traffic ranking, including a personal review.
The 20 Best Blog Sites
1- Brain Blogger “This is a fabulous award-winning medical blog that posts interesting topics related to neurological health, in addition to psychology and healthcare. Fabulous.”
2- NeuroLogica “More of a blog about critical thinking in neuroscience, it still deserves honorable mention for stimulating issues about the brain.”
3- Migraine.com “Excellent landing base for migraine news and opinion, featuring well-written, professional articles and many candid observations on migraine illness.”
4- Migraine Girl “The Migraine Girl, Janet Geddis, now has her own spot on Migraine.com, and she deserves it! Her opinion posts and reviews on migraine news are reflective, often witty, and always honest.”
5- Headache and Migraine News “Informative, updated migraine news you can trust.”
6- The Daily Headache “Refreshing, thought-provoking migraine topics. A pleasure to read!”
7- Somebody Heal Me “Helpful, informative website dealing with all aspects of invisible disease, such as migraines, depression and chronic pain. Large fan base, written by Diana Lee, who also contributes to Migraine.com.”
8- War on Headaches “Fresh, clean site with great pics and slice-of-life articles about dealing with migraines, and learning to love life. Inspiring!”
9- The Migraineur “She’s got her migraines under control, now she blogs about life, health, dieting, and- oh yeah, migraines.”
10- Wind Lost “The author of this blog is an inspiration to every migraineur who thinks she can’t cope with life. She’s an engineer who also loves art, interior design, writing, and gardening, in addition to many other interests.”
 11- In Sickness and in Health “Inspirational, multi-faceted blog for all couples coping with chronic illness, featuring a wide range of relevant material, such as Alzheimer’s, cancer, chronic pain, and suicide.”
12- Migraine Chick “Funny and talented, the Migraine Chick is as much of an artist as she is an expert blogger. Her migraine collages, comic strips, and line drawings are raw, revealing, and unique.”
13- Head Wise “Interesting outlook on various pain treatments, written by a chronic migraine sufferer.”
14- Migraine Journey “Great pictures, maintained by author of Migraine Expressions: A Creative Journey through Life with Migraine.”
15- The Migraine Chronicles “Migraineur Sarah Hackley likes her weather hot, and her food hotter. Born in Austin, Texas, she writes about treating migraines naturally. See her post, Magnesium and Coenzyme Q-10 for Migraine Prevention.”
16- Brainless Blogger “Inspirational, well written. Love the Invisible Bob comics.”
17- Against the ‘Graine “Great source of information for anybody seeking pain relief. Funny pics!”
18- Inner Dorothy “Funny, openly honest blog written by a chronic pain sufferer married to another chronic pain sufferer. Love the pics!”
19- Glass Pineapple “She’s been battling with migraines since the age of 7. An inspiration to us all, is Christy, blogger, migraineur, and monster-hunter fanatic.”
20- Give me Something to Sing About “Witty, motivating mommy blog written by a chronic pain sufferer who shares her wisdom with her fans, plus lots of family photos. See her artwork on Etsy.”
Related reading:
12 Ways to spread Migraine Awareness without saying a Word
Top 20 Websites for Migraine Headache Patients
6 Migraine Myth-conceptions
35 Things you should never tell a Chronic Migraine Sufferer
Free Digital Photos
Tags: chronic migraines, Chronic pain sufferers, headache relief, migraine blogs, migraine forums, migraine headaches, migraine information, migraine symptoms, migraine treatments, migraine triggers
Posted in Migraine Treatments | No Comments »
Wednesday, August 10th, 2011
Do you know somebody who suffers from chronic migraines? Show them you care by giving them a thoughtful gift package of goodies every headache suffer wants.
More than Words
If you’re close with somebody who gets regular migraine attacks, then you probably understand the agony that they endure. At times, it can be difficult to find the right words to offer comfort, especially when it seems like no amount of words will do. Throbbing headaches, sharp jolts of eye pain, stomach cramps, intense nausea, and frequent vomiting are just a few of the symptoms associated with migraine attacks. Nothing you can say will alleviate their pain, but a few caring gifts will speak louder than any words of sympathy.
What NOT to gift somebody who suffers from chronic migraine headaches:
- Perfume
- Flowers
- Artificially scented candles. A good alternative is a lightly scented candle made from soy or beeswax.
- Potpourri
- Scented soaps, lotions, or powders
Twenty Great Gifts for Chronic Migraine Headache Sufferers
- 1- Eye covers- Migraine headaches are sometimes caused by bright lights. To relieve head pain, sufferers need to relax in a dark room with a cold or warm cloth over their eyes. Look online for some soothing eye masks that provide relief.
- 2
 - Unscented bath products- A warm, sudsy bath is a delightful way to de-stress for at the end of the day. Pick out a line of bath gels, salts, and foaming agents that don’t contain perfumes, as scents are a common migraine trigger.
- 3- Aromatherapy oils- For some migraineurs, essential oils such as peppermint, lavender, and rosemary provide headache relief. For others, the opposite effect might be true. Before diving into the apothecary section, ask your friend which scents trigger migraines for her.
- 4- Herbal tea collection- You can’t go wrong with a variety pack of caffeine-free teabags.
- 5- Dietary supplements- Instead of asking her if she knows about alternative medicine options, go ahead and buy her a bottle of natural nutrients for migraines, containing butterbur, magnesium, riboflavin, and C0Q10. New York Times- Patient Thanks Butterbur for Migraine Relief
- 6- Music CD- Migraine patients benefit from relaxation exercises; order a CD that features calming background music, or instructional meditations.
- 7- Hot/Cold packs- Cold packs relieve swelling and head pain, but sometimes you want soothing heat for muscular aches. Look for a hot/cold pack that does double duty.
- 8- New pillow- Buy her a fluffy pillow for when she is bedridden with headaches. Specialty pillows include body pillows, side sleeping pillows, and neck pillows. 10 Unusual Chronic Pain Relief Tactics for the Bedridden
- 9- New zip-up robe- Most leisure robes and caftans come in one-size-fits-all, so that would be an easy gift to buy.
- 10- Neck massage tool- Neck pain contributes to headaches. Most health stores and techie gadget shops sell a collection of massage tools for the neck and back.
- 11- Cleaning help- A migraine attack can last for day. An elaborate (and much appreciated) gesture would be to hire a cleaning lady for the day.
- 12- Day planner- Having a calendar to track future errands, reminders, and events is an effective way to reduce stress.
 13- IPad- iTunes offers a wide selection of health apps that are geared towards migraine patients, including headache diaries, stress managements, and more. 20 iPad Apps for Migraine Sufferers- 14- Window tints- Vinyl window tints are an easy, inexpensive way to darken your room without buying heavy curtains. Wall paper for your windows comes in many attractive designs.
- 15- Tinted sunglasses- Dark sunglasses are effective for deflecting light-induced migraines. Rainbow Colored Sunglasses that Prevent Migraines
- 16- Spa package- Who wouldn’t love a trip to a local spa, complete with massage, sauna, and facial?
 17- Gym membership- Yoga and Tai Chi are therapeutic exercises for chronic pain sufferers. Find a gym that has a good selection of fitness classes, and buy her a one-month membership. Blow Off Migraine Pain with 4 Simple Yoga Breathing Exercises!- 18- Biofeedback session- Biofeedback is a popular alternative migraine treatment that helps pain sufferers learn how to control stress.
- 19- Coupon booklet good for errands, carpooling, laundry, grocery runs, or just a hug.
- 20- Donation to non-profit migraine advocacy organization.
- See Top 20 Websites for Migraine Headache Patients for some reputable migraine support groups.
Related Reading:
35 Things you should never tell a Chronic Migraine Sufferer
Which Foods Trigger the Most Migraines? See our Checklist
Gotta Have Books for Migraineurs- 5 that Stand Out
Sources:
Top Ten Gift Ideas for a Migraine Sufferer
Headache Relief Gifts – Headache and Migraine Center – EverydayHealth.com
Gift Ideas for Headache Sufferers
12 Nice Things You Can Do For Someone In Pain
Tags: can, caregiving, chronic, do, for, gifts, headache relief, Headaches, healthy, in, Migraine, nice, Pain, someone, sufferer, things, you
Posted in Migraines | 1 Comment »
Friday, June 10th, 2011
Manage Migraines Before and After Delivery: Prescription migraine medications are usually not safe for pregnancy; expectant chronic migraine sufferers are advised to experiment with safe, natural methods for managing migraines.
Which medications are okay to take during pregnancy?
The first trimester of a pregnancy can be an emotional time period; aside from the excitement, hope or anxiety you might feel, you will also experience the effects of dramatic hormonal changes that occur throughout your body. If you suffer from migraines, then you’re likely to see an increase in migraines during pregnancy, as hormonal fluctuations often trigger migraine attacks. Wine, Cheese, Perfume, and other Headache Triggers
During your pregnancy, your OB/GYN will advise against using any conventional medications for migraine headache relief, including prescription migraine treatments. In order to avoid life-threatening complications, you may have to put aside migraine medications and seek natural methods for managing migraines.
Topamax Causes Birth Defects, Says FDA
1) Homeopathy
Homeopathic concoctions such as Belladonna help to alleviate migraine head pain gently and naturally. As with any medication, please consult your doctor before using homeopathic treatments.
2) Biofeedback
Biofeedback is effective for relieving stress-related illnesses, including migraines, anxiety, hypertension and asthma. Biofeedback training involves using electrical sensors to monitor heart rate, temperature and nervous tension. Patients learn to utilize “feedback” to train their bodies how to respond to various stimuli in a healthier manner.
3) Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a safe, practical medical treatment that utilizes the body’s own endorphins to relieve pain, nausea, anxiety and depression, in addition to countless other ailments. Practitioners of ancient Chinese medicine must be board-certified, so insist on seeing accreditation before succumbing to treatment.
Top 4 Headache Treatments
4) Natural ingredients for migraines
Several natural dietary supplements do double-duty of supplying migraine sufferers with optimum health benefits while also promoting a safe pregnancy and birth. Government research links riboflavin and magnesium with significant neurological results. Again, ask your OB/GYN before starting any new vitamin regimen.
Migraines: Why Riboflavin is Key
5) Prepare for the postpartum period
After the first trimester, you’ll likely notice a decrease in migraine pain symptoms for the rest of your pregnancy, as your body adjusts to hormone levels and settles in for the long haul. Enjoy the vacation from migraines, but prepare yourself for the postpartum period. Once your baby is born, you will once again go through a series of hormonal imbalances as estrogen levels plummet, and with that, a resurgence of migraine attacks. Postpartum changes often trigger “baby blues,” a softened term for postpartum depression. If you experience depression that lasts more than a few weeks, please visit a therapist. There are several antidepressants which some doctors prescribe for postpartum and while nursing.
6) Breastfeed
Approximately 94% of migraine patients experience increased headache symptoms following childbirth. However, studies have proven that breastfeeding normalizes the hormonal after-effects of child labor and significantly reduces your chances of suffering from migraines. Keep in mind that if you do decide to nurse your baby, then you will not have the option of continuing with your pre-pregnancy prescription migraine medications.
Read more about managing migraines:
Top 20 Websites for Migraine Headache Patients
10 Clues your should Include in your Headache Diary Today
Migraines Caused by Eye Strain? Tinted Glasses can Help
Sources:
http://www.netplaces.com/migraines/women-and-migraines/migraines-during-pregnancy.htm
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15257686
http://www.babycenter.com/0_riboflavin-in-your-pregnancy-diet_672.bc
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/78353.php
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/biofeedback/MY01072
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/sinus-headache-000073.htm
Tags: acupuncture pregnancy, alternative migraine treatments, breastfeeding migraines, chronic migraines, headache relief, magnesium pregnancy, migraine headache relief, migraine headaches, migraine treatments pregnancy, natural migraine treatments, pregnant pain medicine, prenatal migraines, prenatal vitamins, riboflavin pregnancy, vitamins pregnancy
Posted in Women and Migraines | No Comments »
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Don’t go to late-night parties, and don’t be ashamed to excuse yourself early if you feel tired. Disturbing your regular sleep pattern is your ticket to migraines. Avoid sleeping late, even when you have the day off, and resist the temptation to take a cozy winter afternoon nap.
