Twenty-eight million Americans suffer from migraine headaches. Many don’t know what to do. About one in four households experiences severe headaches. A few people may feel a “aura” prior to the migraine hitting. This is characterized by flashes, zigzag lines and blind spots, as well as tingling or numbness in the arm and/or face. Migraine pain can last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours and can knock a person off their feet.
Migraine Pain
There are many things you can do to reduce the severity of migraines and ease the symptoms. This article is written by Seymour Diamond M.D. According to the Chicago-based Diamond Headache Clinic, pain can be triggered by stress, certain foods, certain hormones, and a drop of barometric pressure. However, migraine triggers can vary from one person to the next.
What causes migraines one month may not cause migraines the next. Dr. Diamond recommends that patients keep a journal to record when they experience headaches and what caused them. Certain foods can trigger migraines in about a third of sufferers. Pickled or dried meats, pickled meats, and certain vegetables (including broad, Lima, Fava bean and Snow Peas) are all possible triggers.
Proper Diet
Pain sufferers should avoid citrus fruits, avocados and red plums. They should also avoid bananas, figs and raisins. Also, they should not eat chocolate, sourdough bread, excessive caffeine, red wine, or foods containing mono-sodium glutamamate. Dr. Diamond states that if you cannot change the situation that is causing stress, it’s worth trying to “put it in perspective”.
Deep breathing, yoga, tai chi, and biofeedback are all ways to reduce stress. Video games and long hours spent at the computer can trigger migraine pain attacks. Always wear sunglasses outdoors and use an antiglare screen for your computer monitor. Doctors at the Diamond Headache Clinic advise against sleeping too much and skipping meals.
Conclusion
According to the American Migraine Study II, only 48% of migraine sufferers had been diagnosed by a doctor. Talk to your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Some medications prevent migraines from happening, while others can shorten the duration of the pain. When it comes to managing migraine pain, make sure you eliminate all things that are affecting your life.