Community tips for migraine management
When it comes to managing migraine, some of the most helpful tips come from others who know what it’s like. To that end, here’s a collection of community tips for migraine management. Read the original post here.
Some of us treat an attack at the first sign of a symptom, while others wait to assess the severity of the attack before taking medication. But as one community member said, “Wishing it isn’t a migraine isn’t going to change that you’re having a migraine!” Although many people face limitations - fear of medication overuse headache or limitations on volume of medications, studies show that treating early can make a difference in your treatment results.
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Do you ever have migraine symptoms other people notice before you do?
Wearing sunglasses is a community favorite around here… Sometimes, even two pairs!
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Are you sensitive to light?
Sleep is a big one! Since anything from not enough sleep to too much sleep can be triggering for migraine, practicing good sleep hygiene is crucial for migraine management. Some sleep triggers can be sneaky.
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Do you have sleep-related migraine triggers?
Triggers can seem an ever-changing target as they often change over time or “stack” together. Tracking your triggers, for example in a migraine journal or using our migraine meter, can be helpful in preventing future attacks.
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Do you keep a migraine journal?
It can be challenging to find the treatment that works best for you. In many cases, consulting a true migraine specialist can help.
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Have you seen a migraine specialist before?
As migraineurs, our brains crave consistency and operate optimally when we stick to a schedule. That means eating, sleeping, and taking our meds regularly.
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How many medications do you take to manage your chronic migraines?
For many it can seem like a luxury, but a strong support system is essential for effective Migraine management.
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Do you have a good support system?
This may be easier said than done, but not worrying about other peoples’ opinions, and not buying into stigma, can really help take a load off.
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Are you honest when people ask you how you are?
Any strong smells – especially ones you come in contact with regularly – can be huge triggers. It’s helpful to use natural (unscented) products and even to let someone know if something they wear often is triggering an attack.
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Do you ever smell things that aren\'t really there during an attack?
Relaxation techniques such as guided meditations or 15 minutes of doing nothing but resting can work wonders.
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Do you practice meditation for stress relief
Many people with migraine report that once they treated other conditions (for example, diabetes), they found that their migraine frequency decreased.
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Do you think you\'ve experienced symptoms of depression?
Sometimes it can feel like everything is a potential migraine trigger. However, evaluating your diet can help you avoid common triggers.
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Have you tried an elimination diet?
Something as simple as a hot bath or shower, or brushing your teeth in cold water, can be helpful.
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Does taking a bath provide stress relief?
Taking care of yourself can look like many things, including walking daily, drinking enough water, and enjoying the attack-free days!
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Have you tried a short walk for stress relief?
Journaling, reading good books on the topic of migraine, and listening to your body are all great ways to educate ourselves further on managing migraine.
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Have you ever tried keeping a formal or informal gratitude journal?
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Have you taken our Migraine In America Survey yet?
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