Migraines are more than headaches; these troubling incidents can leave people incapacitated and lead to even worse conditions. Getting treatment for migraines is crucial in establishing the best base of care, but a doctor can’t be around when each migraine strikes. When one does occur, there are some steps anyone can take in their own home or office. If the situation gets worse or someone has additional questions, it’s important to call a Santa Monica, CA family medicine physician right away.
Get Comfortable
The pain of migraines requires an optimum sense of comfort to handle the worst of the worst. Find a place to sit down and make sure it is comfortable enough for someone to ride out their symptoms. If a chair or similar seating area is not around, sitting on a bed or even laying down is just as good. Make sure that pillows behind the head are propped up and that the body itself is not completely flat on the mattress. Those with ocular migraines are especially in need of a place to be until the condition passes as they could become totally or partially blind during the event. Their faculties and eyesight should return shortly after the event ends.
Find A Heating Source
Heat can help to reduce the symptoms as well as the pain associated with these periods. Try to find a cloth that can be heated or put into hot water. The water should not be scalding, instead pleasantly warm enough to touch the skin without burning. Place the cloth against the forehead to calm and soothe the most affected parts of the body. It can also be placed against the back of the neck. Some eye pads can be heated in the microwave and they prove especially helpful for ocular issues. Another choice is heating pads that can be placed under the body or on top of selected areas. The heat on these types of pads can become too much and may burn if left on a spot too long so caution is always warranted with these choices.
Take Medication
Many patients with migraines may be put on medication if all else fails in their treatments. These medications are usually taken on a daily basis and have no merit on treatments needed for an actual attack. For these situations, it could help to add a pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. The choice often depends on other medications in the body and the recommendations of a doctor with knowledge of medical history. Some people choose medications that contain a dosage of caffeine to relieve the symptoms. For some patients, the use of caffeinated medications and drinks have improved their symptoms quickly as well as safely. Coffee can be used in much the same way as well as certain energy drinks. In terms of energy drinks, make sure that other ingredients may not interact with other medications as well as physical health. Herbal supplements may also serve to quell the symptoms but there are no studies that they are effective and the potential drawbacks may make these choices a problem for patients currently under the care of a doctor.
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