Migraines are defined as recurring primary headaches that are moderate to severe. Frequently, migraines affect only one side of the head, feel as if they pulsate, and can last anywhere from two to 72 hours. Some symptoms include sensitivity to sound, smell, and light, vomiting, and nausea. Up to one-third of migraine sufferers experience an aura, or a short period of visual disturbance that signals that a headache will soon follow. But what can you do about these painful headaches? Well, Dr. Matthew Milestone and the team at The Migraine Center of New Jersey are experts in their field, and are here to help you relieve your migraines near West Orange, NJ.
Ice Packs
Since 1849, cold therapy has been used as a method to treat migraines and strong headaches. Dr. Matthew Milestone says that a recent study of 100 migraine sufferers found that 75 percent felt relief through cold therapy with ice packs. Cold therapy is cited as the most common relief method used to treat migraines and headaches, and even sources like the Mayo Clinic and National Headache Foundation recommend cold compresses and ice packs alongside their recommendations to soothe migraine symptoms.
Fish Oil
In 2002, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Health Interview Survey found that 12 percent of the 30,000 people polled have tried fish oil or omega fatty acids. Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are also found in seeds, nuts, and vegetable oils. One of our friends at The Migraine Center of New Jersey mentions that studies on omega-3s show that they help reduce inflammation and blood clotting, lower blood pressure, and steady the heartbeat. These effects, mainly the reduction in inflammation, have been found to be helpful in reducing the pain and other symptoms of migraines.
Drink More Water
One easy step that can help lower your risk for a migraine is to drink more water and stay hydrated! Dr. Matthew Milestone says that dehydration will cause your blood volume to drop, which results in a smaller flow of blood and oxygen to the brain. To stay hydrated, men should drink around 13 cups per day, while it’s recommended that women drink about nine.
Triptans
Approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, triptans have been found to be effective in use for treatment of moderate to severe migraines. They are a class of medication that is categorized as “acute,” meaning that they are designed to stop a migraine after it begins. They also alleviate the symptoms of migraines like nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and pain. Dr. Matthew Milestone says that triptans work by stimulating serotonin (a brain neurotransmitter) to reduce inflammation and constrict blood vessels, stopping the migraine.
Exercise
Migraine triggers vary; and though some say that exercise can bring on a serious headache, others find that a regular exercise routine actually reduces the frequency and pain. One The Migraine Center of New Jersey associate indicates that numerous studies have been performed that show that a regular exercise routine is effective in decreasing migraine occurrence and intensity. However, the National Headache Foundation recommends a warm-up period before exercise, staying hydrated throughout your routine, and avoiding headache triggers like changes in weather or temperature.
By using any of these five methods, it’s possible for you to relieve or avoid a migraine. If you’re experiencing painful migraines or headaches near West Orange, NJ, then Dr. Matthew Milestone is here to help! You can call any of our experienced The Migraine Center of New Jersey staff at 201.845.8411 for any questions, concerns, or to make an appointment with Dr. Matthew Milestone today!
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