Watch out for migraines as a specialist offers advice on how to stop 'debilitating' headaches.
Dr. Lauren R. Natbony, a neurologist, dispels prevalent misunderstandings about migraines and offers guidance on how to avoid and treat them in honour of National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month.
Deepak 
Major headaches are nothing new for migraine patients.
When a migraine first starts, it can be uncomfortable, disorienting, and occasionally even incapacitating.
In honour of National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, neurosurgeon and headache expert Lauren R. Natbony, M.D., dispels a few widespread misconceptions regarding the condition.
Natbony, the founder and medical director of Integrative Headache Medicine of New York, explained how migraines vary from headaches since they are a "debilitating neurological disease characterised by recurrent episodes of severe head pain."
Migraines are a common type of headache that can cause severe pain, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. They affect about 31 million adults in the United States.
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for migraines, but there are a number of things that people can do to prevent or manage them. These include:
- Lifestyle modifications: Getting regular sleep, staying hydrated, eating regular meals, and exercising regularly can help to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.
- Preventative medications: There are a number of prescription medications that can help to prevent migraines. These medications work by targeting different mechanisms involved in migraine development.
- Acute treatments: If a migraine does occur, there are a number of medications that can help to relieve the pain and other symptoms. These medications are most effective when taken early in the migraine attack.
Some people with migraines find that nasal sprays are a helpful way to relieve symptoms. Nasal sprays deliver medication directly to the brain, bypassing the stomach, which can make them more effective and faster-acting than oral medications.
It is important to work with a doctor to develop a treatment plan that is right for you. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to migraine treatment, and what works for one person may not work for another.
Here are some additional tips for managing migraines:
- Track your migraines: Keeping a headache diary can help you to identify triggers and patterns that may contribute to your migraines.
- Avoid triggers: If you can identify your migraine triggers, try to avoid them. Common triggers include stress, certain foods, lack of sleep, and hormonal changes.
- Take breaks: If you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed, take some time for yourself to relax and de-stress. This could involve taking a walk, listening to music, or reading a book.
- Stay hydrated: Staying hydrated is important for overall health, and it can also help to prevent migraines. Aim to drink 64 ounces of water per day.
- Get regular exercise: Exercise can help to reduce stress and improve sleep, both of which can help to prevent migraines. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
- Get enough sleep: Most adults need 7-8 hours of sleep per night. Getting enough sleep can help to regulate hormones and neurotransmitters, which can help to prevent migraines.
- Manage stress: Stress is a common trigger for migraines. There are a number of things you can do to manage stress, such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises.
If you are experiencing frequent or severe migraines, it is important to see a doctor. They can help you to develop a treatment plan that is right for you and can rule out any underlying medical conditions.
