What is a migraine? According to MayoClinic.org, it is severe and throbbing headache that is usually accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Does this sound familiar? For me, the answer is yes.

Since the age of 13 or 14 I started getting headaches that would stop me dead in my tracks. After talking to my mom about it, I learned that she had chronic headaches/migraines and that I probably got this from her. She said that her's started when she was young, too, which is normal. My initial thought was 'well this is just lovely.' I didn't get my first knock out migraine until I was about 15 or 16 and it was horrible.

It started as a little headache right around my left temple. I didn't worry about it until it started to get worse. I finally took some medicine and went along with my day. About 30 minutes later I couldn't open my eyes. I thought my head was going to explode from the throbbing pain, any kind of light or sound hurt, and talking made me sick to my stomach. My mom, who had obviously been through this time and time again, told me that the only thing I could do was take more pain relieving medication, put an ice pack on my head and try to go to sleep.

I managed to sleep through the night and almost through the entire next morning. What surprised me was what my mom calls 'the migraine hangover'. Once I finally got rid of the migraine, I felt like the wind had been knocked out of me. I had no energy and just felt sluggish. However, I was extremely happy that the pain was gone.

Reading up on migraines, you will find that there are few triggers including:

  • flashing lights
  • anxiety and stress
  • lack of food or sleep
  • hormonal changes
  • certain foods
  • Tyramine (found in aged or stored food)

Another 'fun' fact for you: Women are three times more likely to have migraines than men. (Heavy sighs all together now ladies)

There are a few medications out there are are specifically used to help with migraines. Also, more natural remedies including massages could help with them as well. Making changes to your lifestyle could help as well.

Catherine Yeulet/ThinkStock
Catherine Yeulet/ThinkStock
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The trick to ridding yourself of migraines will vary from person to person. The treatments I tried may not help you with your migraines. The best thing for you to do is see your doctor and explain what is going on. He/She will be able to look at your symptoms and inform you what remedy would best suit you. That is what I did and I (knock on wood) have not had a migraine in about 2 years. Best wishes and great health to you all!

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