How to Get Rid of Awful Headaches
This article explores the difference between migraines and headaches, different warning signs and symptoms and how to prevent migraines. Some methods include ZAVZPRET™ (zavegepant) and UBRELVY, both used for the acute treatment of migraine attacks.
Worst Foods and Drinks for Migraines
Certain foods and drinks are known to trigger migraines in some individuals. Here are some of the worst offenders:
Foods
- Processed Meats.
- Aged Cheeses.
- Alcohol.
- Caffeine.
- MSG (Monosodium Glutamate).
- Artificial Sweeteners.
- Chocolate.
- Pickled and Fermented Foods.
- Nuts and Seeds.
Drinks
- Alcohol.
- Caffeinated Beverages.
- Sugary Drinks.
- Artificially Sweetened Drinks.
- Dehydrating Beverages.
Migraines and Headaches: What's The Difference?
In my previous article all about cluster headaches, I wrote about sinus headaches, tension headaches and cluster headaches. While migraines are often categorized as a fourth type of headache, they can have different symptoms and signs.
Generally, with headaches, you will experience pressure and pain throughout your forehead, temples and the back of your neck. The most common type is a tension headache caused by stress, anxiety, or muscular pain. However, you can also get headaches caused by dehydration, sinus infections, or injury. Headaches can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several days. Chronic headaches will occur 15 or more days out of a month-long period.
When it comes to differentiating migraines from headaches, one quality to note is that they typically impact one side of your head. Often, migraines can be more painful and debilitating than a regular headache (though cluster headaches can be worse). The pain you experience during a migraine may make it impossible to go about your day or to even fall asleep. While you may be able to go about your day with a headache, migraines often get worse when you climb stairs or do other activities.
Migraines may also have symptoms located throughout the body and not isolated to just your head. They also tend to impact women at a rate three times higher than men. Unfortunately, migraines can last anywhere from four hours to three days without treatment.
Migraine Warning Signs
You may have heard of a term called "prodrome" regarding migraines. This term refers to warning signs that folks may experience one to two days before the onset of a migraine. Not everyone who experiences a migraine is going to have these same warning signs and some folks may not experience any prodrome symptoms at all.
Prodrome Symptoms:
- Constipation
- Mood changes, most likely from depression to euphoria.
- Food cravings.
- Neck stiffness.
- Increased urination.
- Fluid retention.
- Frequent yawning.
There are typically two types of migraines, those with auras and those without. Auras refer to specific neurological symptoms that can occur before or during a migraine. These symptoms are reversible, and they tend to come on slowly over several minutes and can last up to an hour. While the most common auras are visual, there are a few others to look out for that may signal an upcoming migraine.
Aura Symptoms:
- Vision loss.
- Seeing bright flashes, spots, or shapes.
- Tingling or numbness in your face, arms and/or legs.
- Difficulty speaking.
- Trouble concentrating or with alertness.
- Weakness or numbness in one side of your face or your body.
- Changes in taste, smell, or touch.
Migraine Symptoms
Once you progress from the prodrome or aura phase into a full-blown migraine, the symptoms differ from those experienced during a regular headache. Migraine symptoms can affect the entire body, so some signs to look for include:
- Sensitivity to light.
- Sensitivity to sound.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- A pulsating sensation in the head.
- Pain on one side of the head, typically behind the eye or ear.
- Temporary vision loss.
Migraine Triggers
Like many conditions in the body, the exact causes and triggers of migraines are not fully understood. Different people will also experience different triggers or may not have any single thing they can point to as preceding their attack. A few things that may trigger migraines in certain folks include:
- Hormonal changes, especially in women.
- Beverages, such as coffee and alcohol. They may be triggered by caffeine in coffee or sulfites in wine.
- Stress
- Changes in sleep patterns/habits.
- Weather changes, such as shifts in barometric pressure.
- Certain medications like birth control pills or vasodilators can worsen migraines.
- Foods include aged cheeses, food allergens, food additives like MSG and skipping meals.
5 Ways To Prevent Migraines Naturally
1. Maintain a Regular Sleep Schedule
Getting adequate sleep and sticking to a regular sleep schedule can help prevent migraines. Sleep deprivation and erratic sleep patterns can trigger migraines, so try to get 7-8 hours of sleep each night and wake up and go to bed at the same time every day.
2. Manage Stress
Stress is a common migraine trigger, so it's important to find ways to manage stress levels. This can include practices such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, or regular exercise.
3. Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can trigger migraines, so it's essential to stay hydrated throughout the day. Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate you.
4. Maintain a Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy and balanced diet can help prevent migraines. Avoid foods that trigger migraines, such as aged cheese, chocolate and processed foods, and eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
5. Use Natural Remedies
Some natural remedies can help prevent migraines. For example, ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and can help alleviate migraine symptoms. Peppermint oil can also help ease headaches and migraines when applied topically to the temples or forehead. Additionally, acupuncture or massage therapy may also provide relief for some individuals.
In Review
Migraine headaches can be extremely painful. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to help prevent them. Recognizing your triggers, taking medication and using natural remedies are all useful tools to have in your migraine prevention tool kit.