The migraine, headache one type (popularly known as “headache”), affects approximately 30 million people and 75% are women. No wonder, it’s one of the most searched themes on our site.
Pain, abuse of painkillers and frequent trips to the emergency room are part of the routine of those who suffer from migraine and cannot get adequate treatment. Did you know that, only 56% of patients seek care, and of these, only 16% consult with headache specialists?
Here are some important steps that can help you and encourage you to seek medical help:
- Have a pain diary
Whenever you have a migraine headache, note important information such as pain intensity (weak, medium, strong or very strong), remedies you took, stage of the menstrual cycle, and if you consumed any food that may have triggered the crisis (watch out for chocolates, sauces, yellow cheeses, coffee and wine). The information will help the neurologist better understand the characteristics of his headache.
- Do not abuse the painkillers
Whoever suffers from constant headache has an arsenal of medications in the bag. However, as the overwhelming majority does not seek appropriate treatment, there is a great risk that the constant use of remedies will further aggravate the problem. Those who take more than one tablet a week may end up developing chronic headache. The painkiller blocks all natural defense mechanisms against pain, and its prolonged and indiscriminate use makes the body dependent on the drug to fight it. Do not self-medicate.
- Do not delay to take the indicated medicine
Migraine is the same as fire. You have to deal with it sooner, otherwise it gets much worse. It is common for the patient to begin to feel pain, but for lack of information or fear, end up postponing the use of the medicine. Therefore, the longer you take to get medicated, the greater the risk that the crisis will last for several days. But remember: You have to take the right medicine because the painkillers can cause a rebound effect (ie, make the pain worse instead of relieving it). If you have ever been to a neurologist and he has not prescribed anything that has helped you, seek a specialist or get directions from other doctors.
- Notice the signs of your body
According to headache treatment Houston specialist, the migraine patient can sense when a crisis is to come. Watch for signs such as: swelling in the eyes (they get tired, a little down), heavy or lightheaded feeling, irritability and excessive yawning. These symptoms can inexplicably occur up to one day before the crisis. Many patients usually have pain in the pre-menstrual and menstrual periods. A decrease in the level of estrogen causes dilation of the blood vessels, which favors pain. Tired and blurry vision isalso frequent complaints. Therefore, the tip is to always be aware and, based on these experiences, communicate your doctor. There are specific medications that act precisely in crisis prevention, not just symptom control.