Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community - View Single Post

Daradon · 12-04-2014, 01:14 PM

I get them, I've found that I can actually prevent mine if I am aware of the aura coming on and I take the painkillers first.

As most know, the headache is only a symptom (the most common, and generally worst) of the migraine. They're still not 100% sure of exactly what they are but I think they have it down to swelling in the brain now. Which is why you can get a whole host of other neurological symptoms besides the headache. For me, I get a tiny translucent spot in my field of vision that slowly grows until it fills my whole vision. Then it grows outside my vision, and the headache comes. Often with that I get the nausea many have reported here. In rare cases I have had confusion and temporary numbness and paralysis in face and limbs.

As I mentioned for myself I have found that if I am aware of the aura early, I can negate it with a slightly higher than regular dose of ibuprofen, which is a anti-inflammatory as well as a pain reliever I believe. I don't even have to use the 'big time' medications, though I have in the past.

This is not to say that this will work for you. It is just to highlight that migraines are so different in people and can be solved by different things. The best thing is to pay very close attention to your specific case. Figure out your triggers, as it appears you have (mine for the large majority is sunlight as an optical thing, like if I'm driving and I have glare out the corner of my eye for a period of time) and pay very close attention to how they migraines come on. You may be able to stop them before they get really bad, or negate them all together by changing your habits. (Chinooks probably not, but you know what I mean).

I'm definitely not coming down on the big drugs, take the relief anyway you can. Nor am I saying, there might be a low risk, low drug, way for everyone. But if you can find a simpler, cheaper, and better way, why wouldn't you? Comes down to really listening to your body and finding what works for you. Can be frustrating, but at least in my case, was so worth it.

Hope that helps!

12-04-2014, 01:14 PM	#17
Daradon Has lived the dream! Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Where I lay my head is home... Exp:	I get them, I've found that I can actually prevent mine if I am aware of the aura coming on and I take the painkillers first. As most know, the headache is only a symptom (the most common, and generally worst) of the migraine. They're still not 100% sure of exactly what they are but I think they have it down to swelling in the brain now. Which is why you can get a whole host of other neurological symptoms besides the headache. For me, I get a tiny translucent spot in my field of vision that slowly grows until it fills my whole vision. Then it grows outside my vision, and the headache comes. Often with that I get the nausea many have reported here. In rare cases I have had confusion and temporary numbness and paralysis in face and limbs. As I mentioned for myself I have found that if I am aware of the aura early, I can negate it with a slightly higher than regular dose of ibuprofen, which is a anti-inflammatory as well as a pain reliever I believe. I don't even have to use the 'big time' medications, though I have in the past. This is not to say that this will work for you. It is just to highlight that migraines are so different in people and can be solved by different things. The best thing is to pay very close attention to your specific case. Figure out your triggers, as it appears you have (mine for the large majority is sunlight as an optical thing, like if I'm driving and I have glare out the corner of my eye for a period of time) and pay very close attention to how they migraines come on. You may be able to stop them before they get really bad, or negate them all together by changing your habits. (Chinooks probably not, but you know what I mean). I'm definitely not coming down on the big drugs, take the relief anyway you can. Nor am I saying, there might be a low risk, low drug, way for everyone. But if you can find a simpler, cheaper, and better way, why wouldn't you? Comes down to really listening to your body and finding what works for you. Can be frustrating, but at least in my case, was so worth it. Hope that helps! Last edited by Daradon; 12-04-2014 at 01:17 PM.