How To Help Someone with A Migraine

A Migraine is surely more than a mere headache. It is a complex condition that may involve a number of migraine symptoms. Generally, migraines are associated with painful prolonged headaches.

Other symptoms of migraine may involve disturbing vision, vomiting, sickness, and increased sensitivity to light, sound, and smells. These symptoms vary from person to person. The frequency and length of migraine attacks may also be different. Migraine attacks can last from 4 to 72 hours and can be very painful. Migraine can have a deep impact on your work performance and social life. 

Migraine 101: A 3-Step Guide to Managing Headaches By Stanford Health Care

Living with Migraines can be difficult and frustrating. Migraines usually begin in childhood and can progress through four distinct stages: prodrome, aura, attack, and postdrome. The prodrome stage can happen with syndromes like constipation, mood swings, food cravings, stiffness and lethargy. 

The Aura stage usually occurs before or during migraines. Auras manifest the symptoms related to the nervous system. The symptoms are usually visual and can last for 20 to 60 minutes. Migraine aura may include vision loss, visual distortions, pins and needles sensations, weakness, hearing noises, and uncontrollable movements. The migraine ‘Attack’ stage can last for more than 72 hours

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The symptoms of ‘attack’ are throbbing pain, sensitivity to light or sound, vomiting and Nausea. Post-drome can leave people drained and confused. Sudden head movements can bring sharp pangs of pain under post-drome. 

Migraines often remain undiagnosed and untreated. It is good to keep regular records of migraines and make an appointment to the doctor, if necessary. 

The causes of migraines aren’t fully understood, but the brainstem and its interaction point with the trigeminal nerve is known to be a major pain pathway. Suffice to say that migraine mostly happens due to genetic and environmental factors. 

Migraine has several triggers, including hormonal changes, stress, excessive use of alcohol or caffeine, sensory stimuli, sleep and weather changes, medication, and food.

Also Read: Headache Symptoms to Worry About

Top Vestibular Migraine Triggers
Top Vestibular Migraine Triggers

What to say to someone with a migraine?

If you regularly suffer from migraine, it is good to develop a defense mechanism to mitigate its intensity. If your family or loved ones suffer from migraines, you can offer solace by extending your support. 

Migraine is, by and large, an invisible condition. It doesn’t have many visible symptoms. Therefore, it becomes even more important to extend support to someone with a migraine. During migraine attacks, people need to rest and stay away from physical stimulation. 

It is also important to note that different people experience migraine differently. There is no one remedy to the pain caused by migraine. It won’t always be possible to eradicate pain, but simple actions such as turning off the lights can help. 

Similarly, if your co-workers or family members suffer from migraines, you can help someone with a migraine by not using strong perfumes or being more empathetic when they cancel meetings at the last minute. Being empathetic is mostly about asking the patient about ways that you can help them. Instead of having long conversations, ask simple questions that may relax them. 

People that suffer from regular migraines do not live normal lives. This invisible disease will keep making their lives miserable. Therefore, it becomes important for family, friends, and coworkers to understand patients’ limitations, especially when it comes to social participation. 

Migraine is unpredictable and insidious. It can happen at any time. Therefore, the support of family, friends, and co-workers are needed ubiquitously. A lot of patience, compassion, and open-mindedness are required to battle it out. 

Frequently Asked Questions

✅What is the fastest way to cure a migraine?

There is no instant cure to migraine, but a number of actions may help. Dimming the lights can help instantly. If you experience a migraine turn off your computers and phones and refrain yourself in an area that isn’t noisy and has dimmed lights. Hydration may also help ease the throbbing. Do not use chewing gums and refrain from actions that might involve head movements. If none of that helps, you must consult your doctor at your nearest psychiatric healthcare facility.

✅What should you not say to a migraine sufferer?

✅How do people act when they have a migraine?  

Contribute By Triumph Healthcare