When Migraines Strike: An Action Plan
When migraines strike, you know it. The headache becomes nearly or completely unbearable. According to the National Headache Foundation, nearly $ 4 billion is spent on over-the-counter headache remedies, with many of them being utterly ineffective. So what's a migraine headache sufferer to do?
1. Help yourself - Many specialists in the medical field believe migraines are a disease. New findings show there to be a genetic component. We know migraines are a neuro-vascular problem with bio-chemical changes. Other experts believe there is also a strong association between excessive, internalized distress and migraines. We need to see it with the same respect and attention we'd show any serious symptom- with care and treatment.
2. Educate yourself - When do you get these headaches? Are there common circumstances? Are you able to recognize the early warning signs and/or triggers? Are you able to take early steps before it gets worse? Educate yourself through reputable and professional sources. Ask your personal medical provider for help and patient education information.
3. Seek real help - See your doctor, or a headache specialist, neurologist, or pain specialist. Clinical Psychologists trained in headache treatments such as bio-feedback and/or hypnosis can help as well, often in combination with medical care. Specialists are your best source of experienced, professional guidance. For physician referrals the National Headache Foundation at 1-888-NHF-5552 or www.headaches.org can help.
4. Prepare yourself - Before getting help, write down your headache history, what, when, and where it happened, with any important details such as how long it lasted, and how you treated it. Use a special diary or log just for this. Carry it with you.
5. Seek to control it - Migraines vary, and so does treatment, with success often varying for each headache sufferer. Be patient with yourself, and your caregiver. It may take a while, perhaps with some trial- and-error, to get control. There are many non-prescription drugs that do work. Which is best for you? You need personal advice considering your own headache profile, symptoms, and health history. This is the time for professional care from a headache specialist. Control is possible and probable with the recent treatment advances available to you today.
6. Treat it - Work closely with your headache specialist to determine what will work best for you. Personal care through office visits is your best option for quicker, safer, more effective results.
7. Practice Patience - It takes time to find the right solution. The usual time period to evaluate treatment is three months. So give yourself permission to explore your options until you find an effective remedy. The better you are able to communicate, and work closely with your treating specialist, the more successful your results will be.