A migraine without aura is a headache characterised by recurrent headaches that are moderate to severe in intensity. A headache affects one-half of the head, is pulsating in nature, and lasts from an hour to seventy-two hours. Globally, 15% of the population is affected by migraine headaches. There are no permanent migraine cures, and sometimes they are very severe. Migraines are a neurovascular disorder, as they start within the brain and then spread to the blood vessels. Taking OTC and prescription migraine medicine is one way to get instant migraine relief. Apart from migraine medicine, some natural remedies can also help offer instant migraine relief at home.
This page covers some easy tips for instant migraine relief at home.
What is migraine with aura?
It is a type of migraine that causes sensory disturbances called aura. It may include visual changes such as flashing lights or blind spots, speech difficulties or tingling sensations. Auras typically last for 5 minutes to 60 minutes, but usually resolve within an hour. It can occur with or without a headache.
Causes and symptoms of migraine
The causes of migraines are unknown, but it is believed that they are likely related to a combination of environmental and genetic factors. They run in the family in two-thirds of cases and rarely occur due to a single gene defect. The migraines are associated with psychological conditions such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder, as are many biological events or triggers.
A migraine is present with self-limited, recurrent severe headache associated with autonomic symptoms, and the pain can vary from normal to very severe. People suffering from migraine experience migraines with aura, and they can have migraines without aura. These are 15 to 30 % of the sufferers.
The severity, duration, and frequency of the pain, as well as the frequency of the migraine attacks, differ from person to person.
Instant migraine relief naturally
The best way to get relief from a migraine headache is to take an over-the-counter pain reliever, and most of the painkillers won’t start showing an effect for about 1-2 hours, so it’s better to take a dose as soon as you start feeling the headache coming on. Some migraine drugs can provide instant relief, such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, naproxen, aspirin, or even a capsaicin nasal spray.
But you should always take doctor’s advice before taking migraine medicine. Don’t take any drug on a regular basis until and unless your doctor prescribes it to you. Every day use of these drugs can cause harm to your body, and you may suffer more frequent headaches with more severity.
The following are some remedies and tips for instant migraine relief that can help reduce migraine symptoms.
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- Drinking caffeine – Caffeine can help relieve migraine headaches, but it can also lead to more headaches over time due to the developing or worsening caffeine dependence. During a migraine, adenosine levels increase in the bloodstream, and caffeine helps by reducing the activity of adenosine receptors.
- Drink plenty of water – Dehydration can also trigger headaches, which can lead to migraine headaches. Therefore, always keep your body well-hydrated. Drink three litres of water every day if you are a male, and females should consume 2.2 litres of water. However, avoid drinking water if it’s too cold, as extremely cold water can trigger migraines in some individuals.
- Take rest – Try to rest and calm yourself down. Shut down the lights, blinds, and lie down. Then, focus on your breathing; this may help reduce the pain. Rest in absolute peace and quietness. While resting, ensure that your bed or couch is comfortable and your head is supported in a position that doesn’t increase tension in your neck. Avoid bright unnatural lights and rest in a dark, peaceful room.
- Use a cool compress – You can reduce the severity of migraines by simply placing something cool over your forehead and eyes. This can help constrict blood vessels, leading to reduced inflammation and pain.
- Neck exercises – Stretching and strengthening your neck muscles can help relieve migraine headaches and other chronic headaches.
- Practice relaxation techniques – Various techniques can soothe your pain and reduce its severity. These techniques are:
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- Meditation
- Prayer
- Deep breathing
- Listening to binaural beats
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These migraine remedies can help reduce the pain, and following meditation practice regularly may reduce the occurrence of migraine headaches.
Also Read: Foods That Trigger Migraine
