There's nothing like a migraine headache to disrupt your life. Characterized by intense pain, visual disturbances, and even nausea and vomiting, a migraine can put you down for the count for the day, or even for several days at a time. What's worse is that once a migraine starts, there is little that can be done to stop it, and there isn't any one method of preventing a migraine that universally works for every migraine sufferer. You just have to experiment with different preventative methods until you find one that works for you. Some people have luck with over the counter or prescription medications, others learn to avoid common migraine triggers. Here are a few preventative methods you may not have heard of that may be just what you need to prevent migraines.
Botox Injections
Cosmetic surgeons aren't the only doctors giving Botox injections to their patients these days. Neurologists now use Botox injections to help their migraine patients avoid the debilitating headaches. It turns out that the medication is good for more than just fighting wrinkles. Doctors aren't exactly sure how Botox decreases the frequency of migraine headaches. The connection was discovered when cosmetic patients who also suffered from migraines began reporting that their headaches were fewer in frequency after a Botox injections.
The FDA approved Botox as a treatment for migraine sufferers in 2010. While Botox used for cosmetic purposes usually has to be paid for out of pocket, your health insurance policy should pay for Botox treatment for migraines, provided that you have a diagnosis of migraines and the Botox is prescribed and administered by a neurologist instead of a cosmetic surgeon.
Light Sensitivity Sunglasses
Most migraine sufferers experience extreme light sensitivity during a migraine, and it's possible that light sensitivity and other visual triggers that you're not aware of are part of the reason why you develop migraines in the first place. In order to reduce the occurrence of migraines, tinted glasses that block certain types of light can be an effective tool. Studies have shown that rose tints are particularly effective at reducing migraines, where as blue-tinted lenses had little helpful effect. So, if you've ever wanted to literally see the world through rose-colored glasses, this is a good excuse to do so.
You can test whether or not light sensitive sunglasses are helpful for you at a low cost by experimenting with different non-prescription tinted sunglasses. However, beware that the wrong tints may actually make your symptoms worse. You may find it more effective to have an eye expert recommend a tint that's right for your individual needs. An eye doctor can examine your eyes to help you identify visual triggers that you may not realize that you have and determine what colors and types of tints will work best to reduce your specific eye sensitivity.
Allergy Shots
Having migraines and allergies is a double whammy – you can end up sniffling, sneezing, wheezing, and in intense pain all at the same time. If you notice that your migraines are more frequent during allergy season or when you're exposed to an allergen, then it might be time to take a more aggressive approach to treating your allergies – and treat your migraines in the process as well.
It turns out that the histamines that your body releases during an allergy attack cause more than just allergy symptoms. For many people, those histamines are also a migraine trigger. Unfortunately, the over the counter medication that you take to treat your allergies won't treat a migraine. However, if you can prevent the allergy attack in the first place, you can also prevent the migraine. One study showed that among patients who received allergy shots, 50% experienced a reduction in migraine occurrence.
There may not be a one-size-fits-all cure for migraines just yet, but that doesn't mean that you won't be able to find a treatment that works for you. Talk to your doctors about the different prevention methods available and find out which ones are most appropriate for you.
Ever since I was a young girl, I have had bad asthma and allergies. I had to stay in the hospital several times when I was in elementary school just to help get my asthma under control and it seemed like I was trying medication after medication with little success. I don't remember all of my childhood health details, since I was so young, but my mother has "filled in the blanks" for me. Thanks to modern medicine and a natural remedy, my health conditions are currently under control and have been for a few years now. I am very grateful for my good health, and I want to "pay it back" to others by creating a blog where I will post my health tips. I hope I can help you learn how to achieve good health!