If there is one thing that can completely stop you in your tracks, it’s a migraine. They are normally a moderate or severe headache that comes with throbbing pain on one side of the head. Many people experience a range of migraine symptoms, including nausea and sensitivity to light or sound.

When you have a migraine, you will naturally want immediate relief. Thankfully, we have a bitesize guide you can check out below that outlines some practices you can follow that could ease symptoms and get you back on your feet.

Take Appropriate Medication

Understandably, your go-to step when a migraine comes on should be to take appropriate medication. While you may turn to paracetamol or ibuprofen for relief, they may not offer any. Instead, you will need to look into specialist medication to treat migraines, like Sumatriptan. You can purchase this medication from Oxford Online Pharmacy. They sell a variety of tablets, injection packs, and nasal sprays that can help treat migraines. Be warned, these medicines are only available on prescription.

Rest In a Dark, Quiet Room

Many migraine sufferers report sensitivity to light or sound, which can make things a whole lot worse. Because of this, it’s recommended to rest in a dark, quiet room when you’re experiencing migraine symptoms. If you can, try and get some sleep. Being able to escape to a dark, quiet room for half an hour often helps those who are going through a migraine attack. If you live with others, politely ask them to give you space so you can rest and get better.

Apply a Cold or Warm Compress

Those who have a migraine may find solace in using a cold or warm compress. In fact, many people prefer cold compresses as it can have a numbing effect and distract the brain from the migraine. You will be stimulating other nerve endings where you are putting the compress. To keep your skin protected, make sure to have a cloth between the ice pack and skin. Some people prefer using a warm compress as heat can help in relaxing tense muscles. If you lean towards this option, it may be wise to take a warm bath or shower that could help ease migraine symptoms.

Drink Up

For a large portion of people who have a migraine, dehydration is a primary trigger. If you are one of them, make sure you’re drinking plenty of water. Doing so can help prevent migraine attacks. Those who struggle to drink enough water should try adding a slice of lime or lemon to their drink. After all, when water tastes better, you will drink more. When you feel a migraine coming on, drinking lots of water can help shorten how long you have symptoms for. Once symptoms clear, make sure you continue to stay hydrated. Doing so can lower the frequency of migraine attacks you get in the future.

Massage

There are many health benefits attached to massages. However, when it comes to a migraine attack, a massage can help reduce stress and relax muscles which combined, can ease migraine pain. While some people find massages helpful, they may not work for everyone. If you’re highly sensitive to touch when enduring a migraine, having a massage may worsen symptoms. This is particularly true for individuals with allodynia. This is a common migraine symptom that causes sensitivity to touch.

Try Meditation

A large chunk of migraine sufferers regard stress as a primary trigger. One way to ease stress and hopefully reduce migraine symptoms is through meditation. If you have a migraine and are unable to leave your room, simply try out a meditation technique and within 5 to 10 minutes, you may start noticing benefits. This is because meditation can help you zone out from what is happening and give you something else to concentrate on. You may find deep breathing techniques particularly useful too.

Smell Lavender

It is suggested the smell of lavender could have a soothing effect, which may help in relieving stress. Lavender essential oils help lower stress and anxiety while improving depression symptoms. Breathing in the scent of lavender may help the acute management of migraine attacks. There are other possible health benefits of lavender too, such as improving sleep, treating skin blemishes, reducing blood pressure and heart rate, and potentially relieving asthma symptoms. You can purchase lavender oil on the high street which could quickly end up becoming your best friend if you have a migraine.

Migraines are incredibly difficult to ignore. If you are currently experiencing one and find it’s interrupting your day-to-day life, there are several things you can do to manage it. If you’re unable to visit your GP and need immediate relief, any of our suggestions above can help in reducing pain and easing symptoms.