Headaches can ruin your day and make it impossible to focus on a task. Migraines are even more intense headaches and may have other complications as well. Migraines are different for everyone. While some people’s migraines are triggered by loud noise, others are triggered by stress. If you experience stress-triggered migraines often, consult with a doctor.
Taking a few measures can help manage stress-related migraines and prevent them. Sometimes migraines can also happen during a period of relaxation after long hours of stress. Stress can cause brain chemical changes, which then regulate migraines. Visit Dr. Andrew Doe to determine the primary cause of your migraine attacks and find a solution.
Tips for managing stress-triggered migraines
-
Contact your doctor.
If you know that the cause of your migraine is stress, you should speak to a professional about it. Unfortunately, only 5% of people suffering from migraine seek medical help. By diagnosing the problem and finding the root cause, your doctor can develop a tailored treatment and prevention plan. You can start with your primary care physician, who can diagnose the problem and determine the underlying conditions. They can then refer you to a specialist.
-
Take a break from life.
If you find yourself stressed about your job, relationships, or other aspects of life, you may need a break from the stressful parts of your life. Staring at the phone or computer screen all day can also contribute to a stressful mind. Watching discouraging news on television is also triggering for some people. Take a little time out for yourself and do something that makes you happy, not someone else. It may be as simple as taking a hot bath or going out for a family picnic.
-
Sleep and eat properly.
Eating the right food and following a proper sleep schedule can solve half of the problems in people’s lives. Over 85% of migraine patients reported not getting an adequate amount of sleep in a study. This is associated with migraine frequency and other problems like anxiety and depression. Follow these tips to combat stress migraines on a physical level:
- Exercise every day.
- Do not drink coffee before bed.
- Go to bed and wake up at the same time daily.
- Avoid using your phone 30 minutes before bed.
-
Take medication.
If you consult with a doctor for your stress-related migraines, they will most likely write you a prescription for various medications. The most common ones used to treat migraines include Triptans, painkillers, Anti-emetics, Anti-epileptic drugs, and Tricyclic antidepressants. Over-the-counter NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen or naproxen) can also help.
