illions of citizens suffer from chronic migraine attacks, accounting for approximately 10% of the population. Migraine sufferers are predominantly women, as females are three times more likely to suffer from chronic migraine headaches than men. Migraine attacks are a significant cause of unemployment and disability; migraine attacks are excruciatingly painful and incapacitating, often lasting for several hours or, sometimes, days.
Migraine attacks are not simply very strong headaches; that is a misconception that migraineurs deal with on a daily basis. Migraine disorder is a neurological condition that may cause an assortment of ailments, with little or no warning.
Symptoms of migraine attacks include:
- Intense throbbing headaches, usually on one side of the head
- Sharp eye pain
- Neck and shoulder stiffness
- Severe nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea
- Light disturbances, similar to hallucinations, “migraine aura”
- Sudden hypersensitivity to lights, sounds, and scents
- Sudden stroke-like symptoms, such as loss of spatial awareness, distorted body awareness, partial paralysis, disorientation, and speech slurring
Science is yet to produce a completely effective cure for migraine attacks, and few prescribed treatments for migraine attacks offer long-lasting, consistent relief. Popular migraine medications include antispasmodics (anti-epileptic drugs), antidepressants, calcium channel blockers, and narcotic pain relievers. Many cause uncomfortable side effects like memory loss, fatigue, and, sometimes, headaches.
Chronic migraine attacks interfere with all aspects of life, making it difficult to work productively at your job, socialize with friends, or maintain a busy household. When a strong migraine hits, things like dirty laundry, book club meet-ups, and shopping lists tend to go on the backburner. Aside from taking the necessary medications and plowing through the day, the only other option for many migraine sufferers is to wait it out, usually in a quiet dark room with an ice pack or hot pillow on your head. Migraine attacks can last anywhere from several hours or days, and frequently reoccur several times in one month.
Strategies for managing migraine attacks include:
- Following a migraine treatment plan with your migraine attack specialist or neurologist
- Keeping a migraine journal
- Following a restrictive “migraine diet”
- Reducing triggers that cause migraine attacks
- Exercising
- Reducing stress
- Using natural supplements that promote neurological health in migraine attack sufferers