Holiday Stress Management Checklist for Migraine Sufferers

The holiday season is a time for celebration, but for migraine sufferers, the hustle and bustle can be full of potential triggers. To help you enjoy a peaceful and migraine-free holiday, we’ve created a practical checklist to keep your stress levels low and your health in check. 1. Maintain a Regular Sleep Schedule A consistent sleep routine is essential for migraine prevention. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Stick to the same bedtime and wake-up time, even...

The Truth About Chocolate and Migraine: Trigger or Craving?

Ever reached for chocolate, only to be hit by a migraine soon after? If so, you’re not alone. Chocolate tops the list of migraine-trigger foods. But is chocolate really the culprit, or just an innocent bystander? After all, some people with migraine eat chocolate without any issues. Which begs the question: Does chocolate truly trigger migraine–or do we just crave chocolate before a migraine strikes? Keep reading as we dive into the research on the link between chocolate and migraine....

Allodynia and Migraine: What You Need to Know

It’s hard to imagine a light touch or gentle breeze causing pain. But this is the reality for people with allodynia – a symptom of migraine that’s often overlooked. Allodynia can make simple actions like washing your face or wearing glasses hurt. This can further limit migraineurs’ daily activities and quality of life. Keep reading to learn what allodynia is and how it’s connected to migraine. What is Allodynia? Allodynia (pronounced ‘a-luh-di-nee-uh’) is a type of nerve pain caused by...

10 Things People Without Migraine Don’t Get About Migraine

Ever wonder why your friend with migraine always cancels at the last minute? Or why your coworker with migraine misses so much work? Migraine is an invisible illness – so migraines are hard to explain to someone who has never experienced them. Not to mention that there are many misconceptions about migraine floating around. Some see people with migraine as oversensitive or flaky, assuming migraines are simply an excuse to skip work or cancel plans. But that couldn’t be farther...

10 Migraine Facts & Statistics that Everyone Needs to Know

Migraine is the second leading cause of disability in the United States and the third most prevalent illness in the world. For those of us who experience these debilitating symptoms, we are well aware of the toll they can take on our social life, productivity, and overall well-being. But despite being so common, migraines are also incredibly misunderstood. Whether you are a recurrent migraine sufferer, or know someone who is, we’ve put together a list of some of the most...

Can Weather Changes Trigger Migraines?

Dehydration – Signs, Symptoms and Prevention

A vast majority of people are chronically dehydrated as they opt for more flavorful drink alternatives. Unknowingly they become more dehydrated by drinking alcohol, sugary beverages, and caffeinated drinks in place of water which can lead to long term health conditions over time. Many of these non-water drinks act like diuretics and cause the body to expel water it needs to rid itself of cellular waste products and harmful inflammatory by-products, further compounding health issues. Proper hydration is essential for...

Migraine Prevention Tips

If you or a loved one is a “prisoner” of migraine, this information could change your life. When it comes to chronic migraine, PREVENTION is by far the most sensible choice. The alternative to prevention may be treating the symptoms of migraine pain for a lifetime. Migraines should not be a lifestyle. A PROPER PREVENTIVE REGIMEN INCLUDES LIFESTYLE CHANGES TO REDUCE STRESS AND AVOID TRIGGERS PLUS NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT TO THE “MIGRAINE BRAIN.” Few physicians or researchers who are experts on...

Migraines – Scents & Sensitivity

Even with so many advances in medicine and technology, trigger diaries are still one of the first things doctors recommend after a migraine diagnosis. That is in part because migraines aren’t fully understood yet, so biological markers aren’t a reliable measurement. The other reason is that learning to recognize migraine triggers has been proven to improve patient-physician communication regarding treatment options and outcomes. Everyone has different triggers, but experts believe that some common offenders affect migraineurs more than others. For...

Finding Your Migraine Triggers: Food & Elimination Diet

When you have migraines, knowing your triggers can mean the difference between avoiding a headache or getting one. Even though science is still not sure about what exactly causes migraines, experts know that everyday things like foods, drinks, sounds, smells, and medications can trigger one. That’s why when people are first diagnosed with migraines, they are advised to keep a diary to record details of their daily activities. Trigger trackers help many migraine sufferers reduce the frequency of their attacks...

What can cause migraines?

What can cause migraines? The answer may vary depending on the individual. When the temperature climbs, so does the likelihood of developing a migraine or other severe headache. In one recent study, researchers found a 7.5% increase in headache risk for every 9 degrees Fahrenheit. Low barometric pressure, which often precedes rain, was linked to a small bump in non-migraine headaches. Strong smells — even nice ones — trigger migraines in many people. Why this happens is unclear, but the...

This 4th of July Be Prepared for Migraine Attacks

This 4th of July...make sure only fireworks explode, not your head. Avoid common migriane triggers such as popular picnic items; diet sodas, BBQ meats with tenderizers etc. Choose healthy, less risky substitutes.