Migraines

[CathyBogart]

I get migraines if I don't take care of myself when it's hot out. Honestly, I haven't found any remedies that work other than a cold compress over my eyes and some tylenol PM to make me sleep.

[kuhio98]

My migraines have been caused by food (wine), hormones (I'm slowly sliding towards menopause) and the weather. Here's what helps me:

~ Excedrin Sinus Headache
~ Hot steam shower
~ Now, for some reason they usually recommend cold for a migraine, but heat always helps me. So, I have made a "rice sock". Basically, take a brand-new sock, put a couple of cups of rice in it (not MINUTE rice -- real rice), tie a knot in it or sew it shut. Throw it in the microwave for a minute or 2 depending upon the wattage of your microwave, and then drape it over your nose and eyes. It will loosen the "concrete" in your head and you'll start feeling better.
~ Vicks Vapor Rub: Put a little of it up each nostril and breathe deeply (if you can't stand putting it up your nose, put it under your nose). This also helps loosen up your sinuses.

I have a very bad migraine on Monday. I tried all of these things and it wasn't completely gone. So, I drank 2 cups of strong coffee and felt better within an hour. Most migraine medicines contain a lot of caffeine, so that makes sense.

[Pembroke_Corgi]

Thanks for all the responses. I'll be sure to try the suggestions when I get another migraine (which hopefully won't be soon!).

I had no idea so many people here suffer from them. They really are agony, aren't they?

[Jadapit]

I get migraines from time to time. Yes, they are agony. I try not to cry when I get them because I know it probably makes them worse but its hard not to. I get them so bad sometimes that I throw up. I will also try some of the things suggested.

[Pembroke_Corgi]

Yikes...I got one last night in my sleep- I hate when that happens, my head starts hurting so bad it literally wakes me up and it hurts to be touching the pillow. I thought of this thread (last night was the 1st time since then I got one) but the thought of looking at a computer screen was too painful. So here I am now...it went away after a while after I took 4 tylenol. I'm going to buy some Excedrin today though.

[critter crazy]

I get Migraines way too often! Aleve seems to work for me!

[shais_mom]

I get Migraines way too often! Aleve seems to work for me!

I just picked up some new Aleve - it is liqui-gels!

[shais_mom]

yuck!
I am glad you feel better.
I got one last nite at work and it subsided when I threw up.
I came home and took a cold shower and it helped a lot.
Believe it or not but I have an Amish home remedy book and
it says to eat honey (not store processed- but kind you find from
bee keepers- raw) and sniff vinegar.
I haven't tried the honey but have tried the vinegar when I'm home and
it does subside it!

[Pembroke_Corgi]

yuck!
I am glad you feel better.
I got one last nite at work and it subsided when I threw up.
I came home and took a cold shower and it helped a lot.
Believe it or not but I have an Amish home remedy book and
it says to eat honey (not store processed- but kind you find from
bee keepers- raw) and sniff vinegar.
I haven't tried the honey but have tried the vinegar when I'm home and
it does subside it!

Gosh, sorry you had one too! They are so awful. I think I will buy some vinegar today, too. It doesn't sound pleasant sniffing vinegar, but if it works, then I'm definitely up for trying it!

[drothergoodnow]

I've had migraines my whole life. I had one when I was 17 brought on by a chiropractor that lasted until I was 25, when I somehow manager to pop the vertebra back into place. I get them now from stress. What I do is 1 benadryl, 2 psudaphed and 3 ibuprophen followed my sleep. This usually works, but sometimes they are so bad that the combination above plus very LOUD heavy metal music works. Why? i have no idea, but it makes them bearable after about 30 minutes, then I turn the music off and sleep it off.

Bright Blessings

Dr. Jasper Goodnow

[Chica]

I have suffered with migraine headaches all my life. The only thing I can do when I get one is take special medication for it. My doctor prescribed a medication made to relieve migraines called Max-alt. It works very well. My triggers are alcohlic beverages of any kind, getting over heated,skipped meals, irregular sleep patterns, and a big one WEATHER CHANGES, also strong chemical odors. I was diagnosed with chronic motor rhionitis. I take sudafed every day and fiorinol when I need it. I feel pressure in my face around my eyes and the bridge of my nose. The weather changes really affect me. I was also told that this is a hereditery problem also. I inherited this from my mother, and my sister get migraines to.


Causes
Types of headaches
Although much about headaches still isn't understood, some researchers think migraines may be caused by functional changes in the trigeminal nerve system, a major pain pathway in your nervous system, and by imbalances in brain chemicals, including serotonin, which regulates pain messages going through this pathway.

During a headache, serotonin levels drop. Researchers believe this causes the trigeminal nerve to release substances called neuropeptides, which travel to your brain's outer covering. There they cause blood vessels to become dilated and inflamed. The result is headache pain.

Because levels of magnesium, a mineral involved in nerve cell function, also drop right before or during a migraine headache, it's possible that low amounts of magnesium may cause nerve cells in the brain to misfire.
The chemicals dopamine and serotonin are among those involved in migraine. These chemicals are found normally in the brain and can cause blood vessels to act abnormally if they are present in abnormal amounts or if the blood vessels are unusually sensitive to them.

Sumatriptan (Imitrex)


Zolmitriptan (Zomig)


Eletriptan (Relpax)


Naratriptan (Amerge, Naramig)


Rizatriptan (Maxalt)


Frovatriptan (Frova)


Almotriptan (Axert)

Try to ask your doctor for one of theses medications so you can have it on hand when you get a migraine.

[buttercup132]

Latley I have started to get them really bad and often.

They drive me insane. Sometimes make me feel like being sick

I was actually getting really worried , but after reading how common it is

in Pet talkers I realize its not that un common

[smokey the elder]

I don't get migraines, but occasionally I get a really evil sinus headache! Sinus meds (Sudafed or the new stuff that you can't turn into meth) + ibuprofen work well, and I put heat on my forehead. I can feel the "sludge" break up! Headaches of any flavor are the pits.