How to manage migraines

PORT CLINTON — Those at Magruder Hospital recently offered some tips on how to deal with migraines. "More than 39 million Americans live with migraines, a complex neurological condition that extends far beyond a typical headache," according to a statement from Magruder. "The good news? Effective migraine treatment is available, and it starts with understanding your symptoms and options. Through information provided by Magruder, here are some highlights in a question-and-answer format: Q: How can you recognize symptoms for a migraine? A: Among some tell-tale signs, a person might have: • One-sided, throbbing pain • Sensitivity to light, sound and/or smell • Nausea, which can lead to vomiting • Visual aura, such as blind spots and lights • Neck stiffness • Brain fog • Mood changes • Food cravings Q: What are some common migraine triggers? A: They often occur due to a person's: • Lifestyle through stress levels, poor sleep schedule, skipping meals and dehydration levels • Environment through weather changes, strong odors and loud sounds • Diet through eating/drinking aged cheeses, alcohol intake, caffeine withdrawals and artificial sweeteners • Hormones through menstrual cycle changes Q: When should someone seek help? A: People should consult with a medical professional if they: • Encounter more than four migraine days per month • Have difficulty getting through the day due to symptoms • Take over-the-counter medications, and they're not helping • Experience rebound headaches Q: How can people go about getting treatment? A: There are three primary approaches: • Acute relief through migraine-specific medications, nerve blocks and injection therapies • Prevention through low-risk medications, Botox for chronic migraines and calcitonin gene-related peptide inhibitors • Supportive care through physical therapy, stress-reduction techniques and sleep hygiene People can reach out to the Magruder Pain Management Clinic at 419-732-3972 for more information.