Learn three helpful ways to cope with migraine attacks

According to the Migraine Research Foundation, migraine is one of the most common conditions in the world. In many families, migraine is hereditary. Unlike the average headache, migraine can be debilitating and could come unexpectedly with the effect of external factors. Research claims that almost 15% of the global population suffer from migraine attacks. These attacks come with a wide range of unexpected effects including cognitive impairment, vision disturbance and extreme giddiness or nausea.Although migraine can affect men, women as well as children, women are three times more likely to suffer from it. In the UAE, among the migraine bearing victims, 85% of them are women. In fact, 40% of these cases are not even addressed in the UAE.

Generally, these attacks could last from 4 to 72 hours sometimes accompanied with vomiting, acute sensitivity towards light and sound as well as cognitive impairment. Studies have linked these attacks to a functionally significant decrease in quality of life. This blog provides more insight into the symptoms and the three basic coping mechanisms against these attacks.

Symptoms of migraine attacks 

•         Constipation or loose motion
•         Quick change in mood – feeling depressed   or sudden feeling of joy or a sense of euphoria
•         Sudden food cravings
•         An increase in thirst and constant urination
•         Neck stiffness
•         Yawning frequently

For many people, aura might also occur before or during these attacks. Aura is a reversible symptom that takes place in the nervous system. Usually, they are associated with disturbed vision, however other senses may or may not be affected.

Some examples of migraine aura are:

•         Frequent pins and needles sensation in your arms or legs
•         Difficulty while speaking
•         Hearing imaginative noises or sounds
•         Uncontrollable shaking
•         Feeling weak or numb on one side of the body

While these attacks cannot be stopped, it is certainly possible to take precautionary measures in order to subside the effects.

 Acupressure

Acupressure is the application of pressure in selective parts of the body in order to relieve stress and alleviate pain. One of the specific points that could reduce the effects and frequency of these attacks is the point between your left thumb and point finger.

Diet control

With some people, certain food can trigger these attacks. Some of the common food products include processed food, cheese, wine, alcohol, chocolate, and caffeinated beverages. It is crucial to be aware of your potential triggers and take necessary action against it.

Linger towards ginger

According to a research taken place in 2014, 100 participants who had frequent migraine attacks consumed ginger powder and sumatriptan to check if this could be a potential migraine drug. One of the major benefits of ginger is that it does not have any adverse side-effects.

At our Brain Training Center, we have come up with a long-term solution that will certainly reduce the adversities of these migraine attacks with effective Neurofeedback sessions. These sessions are completely medicine-free and are specially customized for you after assessing your condition. With the right training, you can be migraine-free, too!

Dr. Upasana Gala is the founder and CEO of Evolve Brain Training, a Neurofeedback-centered institute that focuses on using non-invasive brain training techniques to maximize the brain's true potential.