There are times when you face a sharp throbbing pain usually on one side of your head. The pain has a constant pulsing sensation that increases the discomfort and keeps you away from performing routine activities. It is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or high sensitivity to light and sound. What is this pain? What does it entail?
This pounding pain is nothing but what a migraine attack brings along. Migraines are just not like any other headaches but a neurological condition that involves severe recurring headaches along with critical symptoms. The onset of a migraine can vary from person to person.
The symptoms of migraine occur in stages and they are:
Prodrome→ occurs a day or two before the onset of the migraine. Warning signs include:
Severe mood swings
Neck stiffness
Food Cravings
Constipation
Dehydration
Frequent urination
2. Aura→ might occur before or during migraines. Each symptom, usually sensory or physical, gradually builds up over several minutes and lasts for 20 to 60 minutes. This includes signs like:
Poking sensation in limbs
Vision difficulties
Weakness in the face or one side of the body
Jerking movements
3. Attack→ During a migraine, you might have:
Throbbing or pulsating pain
Nausea
Fatigue
The pain usually on one side of your head, but often on both sides
4. Post-drome→ After a migraine attack, you might feel drained, confused, and washed out for up to a day.
Difference between Migraine and Headaches
When it comes to headaches, they affect your face, head, or upper neck area and cause pain that varies in frequency and intensity. On the other hand, migraines are known to be an extremely excruciating headache disorder. They usually produce symptoms in advance that are known to be much more intense than those of headaches. Some types of migraines do not cause head pain as well. It all depends on the symptoms.
Home remedies to ease migraines
Get hydrated
Keep sipping on water throughout the day and also consume water-rich foods like cucumber, tomatoes, watermelon, etc. to avoid dehydration.
Cold compress
Try a frozen or cold compress on the painful areas, most often the neck and head bringing down the inflammation, constrict blood vessels, and further slow down nerve conduction.
Consume caffeine
Known to improve mood, increase productivity and awareness, and constrict blood vessels, caffeine also brings down a headache effectively. Sipping a hot cup of tea or coffee is helpful, however, moderation is required.
Sip ginger tea
Known to curb inflammation, it is a perfect pick to get rid of your discomfort because of migraines. Plus, it helps in contracting blood vessels and increases serotonin.
Exercise
When you indulge in physical activity frequently, it brings down the chances of facing pain now and then. It also brings down the intensity of the onset.
Rest
Sleep deprivation can be deteriorating and may lead to frequent migraines. Get 7–8 hours of sleep every day but make sure you do not oversleep as that is known to be a causative factor.
Inhale essential oils
Aromatic compounds are essential and are known to be therapeutic and provide calmness. When down with a migraine, apply peppermint or lavender oil as they lessen the symptoms and provide relaxation.
Migraine attacks are painful. It is important to get the right amount of rest along with the correct aid to provide calming relief. Practicing these home remedies will help you relax and get away with migraines smoothly.
