Caregiving Tips When Dealing with a Migraine

Caregivers often put their own needs aside when dealing with the daily tasks of caring for a loved one. Between doctor’s appointments, administering medicine/treatment and adhering to meal schedules, it can be difficult for caregivers to remember to take care of themselves.

The demands of caregiving can be stressful, taking a toll on even the strongest of people. For the 29.5 million Americans who suffer from migraines, it can be enough to trigger a debilitating migraine attack, making caretaking even more challenging.

However, with proper planning and awareness, the risk of developing a migraine can be minimized. The first step is to understand that a migraine can be triggered by a number of different stimuli. By recognizing and avoiding situations likely to trigger migraines, you may be able to reduce their frequency. Although not all people may be affected by the same triggers, by familiarizing yourself with common triggers you may better understand the causes that can contribute to the on-set of your own migraines.

Food and other situations can trigger a migraine attack. A few examples of common triggers include:

Food/Drinks
Chocolate
Cheese
Nuts
Processed meat
Alcohol (commonly red wine)
Caffeine
Behavioral
Too much or too little sleep
Skipped meals
Stress or post-stress
Menstruation
Fatigue
Physical activity
Environmental
 Loud noises
Weather changes
Strong smells
High altitude
Exposure to bright lights

In addition to understanding migraine triggers, it’s also important to understand how to manage them. Research has shown that it’s especially important to maintain a regular sleep schedule. Going to bed around the same time every night and starting each day at approximately the same time can help control migraine attacks. Although it may be difficult, cutting down on stress not only helps reduce the frequency of migraines, but it can also improve overall well-being.

However, a migraine can strike at any time, despite efforts to avoid certain triggers, so be sure to have a migraine-specific medication on hand. If taken at first sign of a migraine, it can also help reduce the length and intensity of the attack.

If you experience a migraine attack, if possible, go to a dark room that is free from noise and smell so you can rest. It may also be a good idea to have a family member or friend available to take your place in case you are unable to provide proper care for your loved one.  

One tool that can help you understand your triggers is the Headache Diary on www.HeadacheQuiz.com. The diary enables you to track what triggers your migraine attacks so you can record exactly what leads to your migraines. This can help you better identify your specific triggers and learn how to avoid them.

 By understanding these triggers and learning how to manage migraines, caregivers can minimize the risk of a migraine interfering with their responsibilities. It takes courage to meet the everyday challenges of caregiving and by remembering to take care of yourself too, you’ll have a better chance of succeeding in your role.

Dr. Brian McGeeney, is a headache specialist at Boston University School of Medicine. Editorial assistance for this article was provided by GlaxoSmithKline. The Headache Assessment Quiz and HeadacheQuiz.com are properties of GlaxoSmithKline.
 

This article was sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline