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The Holidays Can Be A Headache for Millions of Americans But for Some, The Headache May Actually Be A Migraine
The hustle and bustle of the holidays can be exciting but can also be fraught with migraine triggers that can ruin everything for those that are at risk. More than 28 million Americans suffer from migraines, and exposure to triggers like certain foods, irregular sleeping schedules and holiday stress, could bring on an attack that would disrupt a happy holiday and make it impossible to participate in daily activities.
To help fellow migraine sufferers avoid their triggers and better manage their migraines this holiday season, actress and migraine suffer Marcia Cross has some tips.
"In the past, when the holidays were approaching, I would find myself torn between the excitement of seeing my family and friends and the dread that a migraine might get in the way of my plans," said actress and migraine sufferer Marcia Cross. "Fortunately, I now know how to manage my migraines and I've also learned to identify and avoid my migraine triggers."
By following a few simple rules, she says, migraine sufferers also can manage their migraines and enjoy the holiday season:
- Plan ahead. Stress can trigger a migraine. Make the holidays stress-free by shopping early, enlisting helpers and delegating duties.
- Eat regularly. An empty stomach is known to trigger a migraine. Be sure to pack a snack when on-the-go to avoid skipping meals.
- Try to keep a regular sleep schedule during the season. Too much or too little sleep can trigger a migraine. Try choosing a few key events to attend and be sure to get an appropriate amount of rest each night.
- Certain foods can also fuel a migraine, so it's important to know your food triggers. If chocolate seems to lead to a migraine attack, consider opting for carrot cake. If cheese, nuts or red wine are triggers, snack on fruit or vegetables and sip white wine or a non-alcoholic spritzer instead. In other words, migraine sufferers can still enjoy great food, just be selective.
"Another important tip is to be prepared," said Dr. Lisa Mannix from Headache Associates, a private clinic in Cincinnati, specializing in the treatment of patients with chronic headaches. "Even when you're trying to avoid your triggers, you may still get a migraine. If you've been diagnosed with migraines, keep your medicine with you at all times so you can take it at the first sign of pain and get back to your life more quickly."
Unfortunately, half of the people with migraines are undiagnosed and continue to suffer needlessly.
"If you suffer from frequent, bad headaches, take the headache quiz, available at headachequiz.com, and then discuss your results with your doctor," said Dr. Mannix. "If you are diagnosed with migraines, your doctor may prescribe a migraine-specific medication, like Imitrex® (sumatriptan succinate) Tablets, to help treat migraine attacks. "Of course, as with any medication, patients should talk to their doctor about what's right for them."
"Getting the right diagnosis can mean the difference between debilitating pain and getting relief," added Mannix.