Ten Steps to Managing Migraines: A Doctor's Journey as Both Patient and Healer

 Wed--Kwei

You’re a pain in the head

As a physician, I've dedicated my career to helping others navigate their health challenges. Yet, since the age of ten, I've been grappling with a relentless foe of my own: chronic migraines. I still vividly remember lying in a dark room as a child, my head throbbing intensely, overhearing my father say, "A 10-year-old has no business with headaches." Little did we know that this was the beginning of a lifelong journey with this complex neurological condition. 

The Different Types of Headaches

Headaches are not all created equal and vary in cause, intensity, and treatment. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Tension Headaches are the most common type and often feel like a tight band around your head. They are usually caused by stress, anxiety, or poor posture. 

Tension HA may envelop the entire head

• Migraine Headaches: Migraines are much more severe and can last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours. They are often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. 

                                                   Migraines are typically one-sided

• Cluster Headaches: Known for their excruciating pain, cluster headaches occur in cyclical patterns or clusters. They usually affect one side of the head and can be accompanied by redness and watering of the eyes.

                                                 Cluster HA can feel like an ice-pick behind one eye

• Mixed Headaches: These are a combination of tension and migraine headaches, making them particularly hard to treat as they exhibit symptoms of both.

 

Migraines: Not Just a Headache

Migraines are more than just severe headaches—they're a multifaceted disorder that can significantly impact daily life. Despite my medical expertise, I haven't gained complete control over my migraines. They continue to affect my productivity as an author and physician, sometimes leading to days when I struggle to accomplish my tasks. However, through years of experience and exploration, I've discovered effective strategies that have helped me manage them better. Here are ten steps that have made a meaningful difference in my ongoing quest to manage migraines.

 

1. Understand Your Migraine Types and Triggers

Migraine management begins with understanding. Migraines manifest differently for everyone. Mine often follow periods of intense stress or sleepless nights, standard during medical training and long hospital shifts. Keeping a detailed headache diary to track frequency, duration, and potential migraine triggers can provide invaluable insights.

2. Seek Specialized Medical Care

Consulting a neurologist or headache specialist can open doors to advanced migraine treatments. My turning point came when I sought help from a neurologist who introduced me to new therapies targeting the root causes of chronic migraines. Professional guidance is essential in developing a personalized migraine treatment plan.

3. Explore Advanced Treatments Like CGRP Inhibitors

Recent advancements have identified the role of Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP) in migraine headaches. CGRP inhibitors are a new class of medications designed to prevent migraine attacks by blocking this peptide. Starting treatment with CGRP inhibitors has reduced the frequency and intensity of my migraines, though they haven't eliminated them. Discussing CGRP treatments with your doctor may offer new hope in your migraine journey.

4. Incorporate Mindfulness and Meditation

Stress is a significant migraine trigger for many, including myself. Integrating mindfulness and meditation into my daily routine has helped me manage stress levels and provided a sense of control over my migraines. Even a few minutes of focused breathing or guided meditation can make a substantial difference in migraine prevention and overall well-being.

Any sort of meditation or mindfulness is fine

5. Schedule Regular Relaxation Breaks

In our fast-paced lives, it's easy to overlook the importance of rest. Sometimes, simply stepping away from your desk or laptop can alleviate tension. I began setting aside specific times each day to step away from tasks, allowing my mind and body to relax. Whether it's a short walk, stretching, or just closing your eyes, these relaxation techniques can prevent stress from accumulating and triggering migraines.

6. Spend Quality Time with Animals

Interacting with animals can be incredibly therapeutic. Quality time with pets like dogs, cats, or horses has dramatically relieved my tension. The simple act of petting an animal can reduce stress hormones and promote relaxation. If you don't own a pet, consider volunteering at a local animal shelter or spending time with a friend's pet to reap these stress-relieving benefits.

                                                           Brushing off Algot, an equine favorite

7. Practice Self-Compassion

Migraines often disrupt plans and productivity, leading to frustration and self-criticism. As an author, I've had days where migraines significantly impact my ability to write. Learning to forgive myself when I can't accomplish everything I intended has been liberating. Embracing self-compassion reduces stress and makes managing migraines more manageable. Remember, having off days is okay—your health comes first.

8. Utilize Therapeutic Sounds

Listening to music or ambient sounds like green, brown, or blue noise is soothing during migraine episodes. These therapeutic sounds can help distract from pain and promote relaxation, making them valuable tools in migraine management. Incorporating them into your routine may relieve and improve your quality of life.

9. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Regular exercise, adequate hydration, and a balanced diet play significant roles in migraine prevention. While exercising during a migraine isn't feasible—a movement often exacerbates the pain—staying active when symptom-free can reduce the frequency of attacks. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new exercise regimen, especially if you have chronic migraines.

10. Prioritize Quality Sleep

Sleep deprivation is a common migraine trigger. Establishing a consistent sleep schedule and creating a restful environment has improved my sleep quality and reduced migraine occurrences. Good sleep hygiene is essential for neurological health and can significantly impact migraine frequency and intensity.

 

Conclusion

Migraines are a significant part of my life, affecting my work and productivity as a writer, and my overall well-being. There are days when the pain leads to loss of productivity, and I must remind myself to be patient and compassionate. However, through a combination of medical intervention and lifestyle changes, I've made meaningful progress in managing them.

If you're struggling with chronic migraines, I encourage you to explore these steps and find what resonates with you. As a doctor and a patient, I understand the hurdles you face. Remember, you're not alone in this journey. While I haven't wholly banished migraines from my life, each step brings me closer to better management and a higher quality of life.

Embrace the journey with hope and determination—the future holds promise for all migraine sufferers. Stay informed about new migraine treatments, be kind, and continue seeking strategies that work for you. Sometimes, stepping away from stress-inducing tasks or spending time with a beloved pet can make a significant difference. Together, we can navigate the challenges of migraines and move toward a brighter, healthier future.