How to get rid of a migraine

Anyone who has experienced one will know that migraines can be horrible and can completely throw you off your day. The symptoms vary from person to person and can differ in severity but typically, people suffering from migraines will notice an intense headache (usually in the centre of the forehead and felt as a throbbing pain), sensitivity to light and feeling or being sick. A lot of people also notice visual disturbances such as blurred vision, blind spots or flashing lights.

Because people who get migraines can tend to get them quite frequently (even sometimes several times a week), it’s usually preferred to seek treatment rather than wait for the migraine to go away on its own (this usually takes a few hours but can take days).

There are a number of effective treatment options to ease the pain of a migraine and to prevent it from disrupting your life too much. Every person (and migraine) is different so it’s key to work out what works best for you.

Use a cold compress

Hot and cold compresses are useful in treating a number of things; but which one should it be? As a general rule, heat compresses should be used for stiffness or muscle aches while cold compresses should be used for inflammation swelling and pain. So when it comes to headaches, reach for a cold compress, such as the Kool ‘n’ Soothe!

Take deep breaths

Although research has shown that some people are more likely to get migraines based on genetics, hormones or stress, the actual cause is not currently known.

However, we do know that a lack of oxygen being supplied to the blood vessels in the brain can result in headaches. So if you feel one coming on, ensure to take deep breaths to get the oxygen flowing a little more generously.

Try an over-the-counter painkiller

There are a wide range of painkillers available that you can buy without needing to get a prescription or visit a doctor. Paracetamol is an effective painkiller for treating headaches, as are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Ibuprofen and Aspirin.

Although you can buy painkillers without a prescription, you should ensure to adhere to the patient information leaflet enclosed and always use medications according the the advice given. If you accidentally take too much then seek medical help.

Drink more water

Very much like with not giving your brain enough oxygen, not giving your brain enough water can be another cause of headaches. Water is essential for flushing toxins out of the body and carrying essential nutrients to the brain (as well as a number of other things) so you’ll want to get your daily recommended amount.

Turn the lights down

This one is especially important for anyone who gets the kind of migraine known as a ‘migraine with aura’, which means that you also get visual disturbances, often as a pre-emption to the headache that follows after. For anyone suffering from spotting, flashing or blurred spots in their eyes, sitting in the dark for a while can often make this feel less severe.

Even if you don’t necessarily suffer from visual disturbances, migraines can still make you more sensitive to light and can even be triggered by right or flickering light (like the light from a TV or computer screen). Give yourself a time out and as general good practice, give yourself regular screen breaks to avoid more headaches in the future.

Seek prescription medication

If over-the-counter medicines are doing nothing to help relieve your headache then there are a number of migraine medications that are available on prescription. Popular migraine treatments include:

• Almogran

• Zomig

• Zomig Rapimelt

• Zomig Nasal Spray

• Zolmitriptan

• Sumatriptan

Video: What is Sumatriptan?

• Rizatriptan

• Almotriptan

• Frovatriptan

• Migard

• Maxalt

• Maxalt Melt

• Imigran

• Imigran Radis

• Imigran Nasal Spray

These are only available on prescription but if you do not have one or cannot get to your doctor to get one then UK Meds can help. We offer a full prescription service via our online consultation process, which is available on all of our migraine medications.

Try some ginger

Ginger is known for its medicinal properties; it has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Taken on its own, or alongside over-the-counter medications can help to ease the pain of a headache. Try a ginger tea to get ginger and hydration in one easy step.

Relax

Stress is a leading cause of headaches and migraines (as well as insomnia, which can also then cause headaches). Feeling stressed can be a vicious circle where headaches and lack of sleep can make you feel worse.

Try to relax, whether that’s by reading a book or doing a little meditation. Often, dealing with your mental health can go a long way to helping your physical health too.