National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month

Posted On June 1, 2020
Categories Features

With over a dozen different types of diagnoses, headaches and migraines are literally a pain to diagnose, treat and manage.  Factors like stress, tension, allergies, and diet are some of the most common triggers for head pain. However, there may be times when headaches signal a much more severe condition.

In the wake of COVID-19, it is important to understand that headaches can be a symptom of illness whereas a migraine is an illness.  Also, there are instances of abnormality that should be discussed with a doctor.  According to the University of Southern California’s Keck Medicine, there are five signs that indicate your headache is not normal, https://www.keckmedicine.org/5-signs-your-headache-is-not-normal.

  1. Vision or speech changes- If you are having trouble talking, walking, seeing or feeling weak the headache may be signaling you to a more severe issue.
  2. Behavior changes- Sudden memory loss, lack of emotional control, inability to concentrate, or problems with judgment or reasoning should not be ignored.
  3. Sudden and severe pain- Head pain that is described as ‘the worst headache in your life’ requires immediate attention.
  4. Stiff neck and high fever-Headaches that are accompanied by these symptoms point to serious issues that should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
  5. Interferes with daily life- Head pain that limits your functioning, eating, sleeping and lifestyle are not normal, especially if experienced over long periods of time.

If you experience any of these issues or have headaches and migraines that are becoming more difficult to manage, call your doctor and schedule an appointment to develop a treatment plan. In the meantime, there are some things that you can do to help alleviate headache and migraine pain along with doctor recommendations.

  1. Avoid known triggers: Many people experience sensory sensitivity when enduring a headache.  Lights, sounds and smells may be triggers that could potentially intensify pain.  If possible, minimize exposure and find a quiet place free from these triggers.
  2. Reduce caffeine, increase water: Caffeine is a stimulant and may intensify the pain you feel from the headache or migraine.  Water helps to flush toxins, hydrates the body, and encourages temperature regulation.  Choose to drink water over caffeinated drinks at the onset, during and immediately after an episode of migraine or headache.
  3. Don’t stress, decompress: Pressures from work, family, school and life can be overwhelming and may lead to stress related headaches and migraines. Think about the ways in which you relax.  Try to incorporate them in your head pain management routine.  Also, add new techniques such as deep breathing, taking a warm bath, repeating a positive phrase or working on a task that gives you extreme personal satisfaction.

There are more tips available online that may work for you.  So, if you or someone you know suffers from headaches or migraines, please browse the resource websites below for support, information, and referrals.

National Headache Foundation: https://headaches.org/

American Migraine Foundation: https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/

Coalition for Headache and Migraine Patients: https://headachemigraine.org/

World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/headache-disorders