National Migraine Awareness Month: 3 Tips For Alleviating Migraines

June is National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month. This annual event promotes education and awareness about headache diseases. With about half of all people suffering from migraines being aged 50 or older, it’s also the perfect opportunity for seniors to educate themselves about alleviating headaches and avoiding migraine triggers.
 
Many triggers can cause migraines, including strong odors, bright light, and loud, sudden sounds. Once the symptoms start, patients can experience a variety of painful, debilitating symptoms, including nausea, fatigue, blurred vision, pain on one side of the head, and increased light sensitivity.
 
Are you a migraine sufferer? If so, here are three actionable steps to reduce your painful migraine symptoms. 

1.Find a Serene, Quiet Environment 

If you’re experiencing a migraine, you might be extra sensitive to lights, sounds, and smells. During your migraine attack, reducing your exposure to these stimuli might help alleviate the painful symptoms. Find a calm, quiet setting—your bedroom works great—and turn off the lights, shut the door, and pull down the blinds. If you can, try to get some sleep until the symptoms subside.
 
While you’re in your bedroom, applying a cold or hot compress to your neck or head might reduce discomfort. Ice causes a numbing effect, while heat pads soothe and relax tense muscles. 

2. Keep a Diary

Keeping a record of your migraine attacks and what works best to ease the pain may help you determine what triggers them. Try getting into the habit of writing down every episode you experience, as well as what you were doing, where you were, and possible triggers. Were you at an event with a loud band playing? Were you sitting next to a member of your book club who wore heavy perfume? Understanding what caused previous migraines can help you prevent future attacks and symptoms. 

3. Find Relief in Food and Drinks 

Certain ingredients found in common foods and drinks might help reduce migraine pain. Caffeine, for example, may relieve symptoms by allowing you to absorb pain-relief medications faster, such as Tylenol. Always consume small amounts of caffeine with your migraine medication.
 
Additionally, magnesium has been shown to reduce the chance of migraines. While it won’t help to reduce your pain during an attack, it can prevent one from happening. Add nuts, whole grains, and dark-green veggies to your daily diet. Seafood, soy products, and protein are also magnesium-rich foods that may reduce migraines. 

Reduce Daily Stress with Help from Right at Home Whitefish Bay 

Daily stress has been shown to boost the risk of migraine attacks. Seniors with migraines should try to reduce stress as much as possible. Luckily, Right at Home Milwaukee North can help! Our in-home caregivers assist with light housekeeping, personal grooming, bathing, medication management, cooking, and more. This extra hand around the house provides comfort and relieves stress for seniors who struggle with mobility issues, declining cognition, or chronic health conditions.
 
Contact us today at (414) 877-1635 for more information. We look forward to speaking with you!