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Understanding Migraine and Tips for Migraine Treatment

​Do you suffer from intense headaches very often? This throbbing pain can be a migraine. This neurological condition can lead to multiple symptoms and health conditions such as numbness, vomiting, nausea, insomnia, sensitivity to light, smells and sounds, upset stomach, loss of appetite, dizziness, and pale skin.

The clinical history and symptoms are used in the diagnosis of migraine headaches. The migraine headaches are divided into two categories with and without aura. Aura migraine is categorized as classic migraine and without aura are the common migraines. Migraine does not attack at a specific age, sometimes they can be developed in childhood and sometimes it is noticed in adulthood. Family history is a common risk factor for developing migraines. Most people mistake migraines with other headaches, which should not be the case, early diagnosis can prevent the symptoms of the disease. The treatment for the same may cost you a pretty penny, hence, having a health insurance plan​ can be your safe bet.​ ​

Causes of Migraine Headaches 

Migraine headaches can be triggered by the variations in the amount of Serotonin, a chemical present in the body. High serotonin levels can cause blood vessels to shrink, whereas low serotonin levels can swell the blood vessels. This swelling causes throbbing pain and other symptoms. The level of serotonin can vary in your body due to certain factors such as blood sugar levels, certain food, drug or even lack of sunlight. Change in estrogen, a hormone present in women can affect the level of serotonin in the body. 

How to deal with Migraine headaches? 

Prescription and Over-the-top Counter Drugs

Migraine headaches can be treated using certain (OTC) drugs that are readily available in the market. These are the painkillers that usually include aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, and naproxen. Also, there is another group of medicines that are used to prevent pains before they happen. People with extreme and unbearable pain are advised to consume prescribed medicines. 

Avoid stress 

Learn to keep yourself calm and step away from stressful situations. Studies show that stress is the trigger for migraines in 70% of people. Meditation, relaxation therapy, exercise, and scheduled sleep patterns can help you with stress management. Performing these activities regularly can change the body's physiological response to stress. 

Limit the consumption of alcohol and caffeine

Alcohol and caffeine are triggers for migraine headaches in many people. However, a cup of coffee can help relieve migraine pain, and some medicines may also contain caffeine to fight the pain, but for some the case is different. 

Regular and scheduled sleep patterns 

There is a strong connection between sleep and migraine. Enough sleep repairs and rejuvenates all parts of the body, including the brain. Irregular sleep schedules invite migraine attacks. Also, it is important to note that half of the migraine attacks happen between 4:00 am to 9:00 am, which may lead to sleep disorders. It is advised to go to bed nearly at the same time and get at least 7-8 hours of sleep.  

Diet Maintenance 

Loss of appetite is a common symptom that leads to an imbalance in the diet. Try to maintain your diet and avoid the food that triggers headaches. Items such as chocolate, cheese, artificial sweeteners, caffeine, or other strong fragrant food are known to be the triggers for the pain. So, it is better to know your triggers and avoid that in the diet. Moreover, it is important to keep yourself hydrated to avoid triggers. 

Since migraine is not curable, there are many things you can do to avoid the triggers, but its treatment is expensive. In case, if you happen to diagnose the same, make sure you buy health insurance ​online. The plan can help you with emergency medical expenditures and cover all the expenses for the tests, medications, and treatments.​