You’ve had your baby for a few months, and then it hits you. Headache. Bad. You open your eyes and the light is blinding. Your partner comes to ask you something and they might as well be screaming at you. Is it a migraine? Could be. Many women find that after they have a baby, their hormones change. In some cases, this can be a cause for chronic migraines. Whether you have had migraines for years or this is your first one, you need the facts. Migraines can be a serious problem, as well as a symptom for other serious problems. Take your migraines and their prevention and treatment seriously, and you and your baby should be in much better shape.
What is a Migraine?
Some people think that a migraine is just a really bad headache. While migraines are often severe, this is not entirely true. Migraines are a little different. Here are a few signs of a migraine, according to the Mayo Clinic:
• Pain on one side or both sides of your head
• Pain that has a pulsating, throbbing quality
• Sensitivity to light, sound and/or smell
• Nausea and vomiting
• Blurred vision
• Lightheadedness, sometimes followed by fainting
Some people think that a migraine is just a really bad headache. While migraines are often severe, this is not entirely true. Migraines are a little different. Here are a few signs of a migraine, according to the Mayo Clinic:
• Pain on one side or both sides of your head
• Pain that has a pulsating, throbbing quality
• Sensitivity to light, sound and/or smell
• Nausea and vomiting
• Blurred vision
• Lightheadedness, sometimes followed by fainting
Migraines can last from four to 72 hours and range from mild to very severe. When you experience what you believe is a migraine, you should plan to see your doctor as soon as possible unless you are already under a current treatment plan for chronic migraines.
When you go to the doctor, take a moment to consider the factors that may have influenced your migraine. Migraines have triggers, which are usually environmental. Some women get migraines based on outdoor allergies or food intolerances. Other women suffer at different times of their menstrual cycle. If you are dealing with chronic migraines, start keeping a journal of the things you did prior to your migraine triggering. This will help you to identify your triggers. With your doctor’s help, get ideas on minimizing your triggers to minimize your acute migraine attacks.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Migraines can be a sign of more serious health conditions, such as stroke. You should plan to seek medical attention immediately if you suffer one of the following symptoms:
• An abrupt, severe headache like a thunderclap
• Headache with fever, stiff neck, mental confusion, seizures, double vision, weakness, numbness or trouble speaking
• Headache after a head injury, especially if the headache gets worse
• A chronic headache that is worse after coughing, exertion, straining or a sudden movement
Migraines can be a sign of more serious health conditions, such as stroke. You should plan to seek medical attention immediately if you suffer one of the following symptoms:
• An abrupt, severe headache like a thunderclap
• Headache with fever, stiff neck, mental confusion, seizures, double vision, weakness, numbness or trouble speaking
• Headache after a head injury, especially if the headache gets worse
• A chronic headache that is worse after coughing, exertion, straining or a sudden movement
Treating Acute Migraine Attacks
When you hear people talk about taking medications for migraines, they are usually referring to medications they take for an acute migraine attack. This means that they take this medication at the point they realize a migraine has been triggered. They do not take the medication on a daily basis. If you find that you are suffering from migraines more than just once in a blue moon, you may want to talk to your doctor about keeping a medication on-hand for acute attacks. Fortunately, many of the common migraine medications are safe to take while bf. Consider this list on Kellymom:
http://kellymom.com/bf/can-i-breastfeed/meds/migraine-meds/
When you hear people talk about taking medications for migraines, they are usually referring to medications they take for an acute migraine attack. This means that they take this medication at the point they realize a migraine has been triggered. They do not take the medication on a daily basis. If you find that you are suffering from migraines more than just once in a blue moon, you may want to talk to your doctor about keeping a medication on-hand for acute attacks. Fortunately, many of the common migraine medications are safe to take while bf. Consider this list on Kellymom:
http://kellymom.com/bf/can-i-breastfeed/meds/migraine-meds/
You should note that many of these meds cause dizziness, nausea, lightheadedness or exhaustion as potential side effects. Until you know how you handle taking any particular medications, DO NOT plan to operate heavy machinery, drink alcohol or other sedatives, or care for your child alone.
These meds are not as simple as taking Motrin or Tylenol. They are serious prescription drugs, many with serious side effects. As such, what works for one woman may be awful for another. Your best treatment for chronic migraines is to work on identifying and minimizing your triggers, so that you can avoid them.
Natural Migraine Treatments/Preventatives
There are many OTC and natural migraine treatments and preventatives. Many people swear by taking Motrin or Tylenol with caffeine. You may also feel better if you go lay in a dark, quiet room with ice on the back of your neck. Some women say that their migraines have decreased in frequency and duration by applying peppermint essential oil, or taking regular doses of magnesium. However, if you are taking certain kinds of medications, especially those that affect your blood pressure or heart function, large doses of magnesium may decrease the efficacy of those medications. Be sure to ask your doctor before engaging in any treatment regimen, natural or otherwise.
There are many OTC and natural migraine treatments and preventatives. Many people swear by taking Motrin or Tylenol with caffeine. You may also feel better if you go lay in a dark, quiet room with ice on the back of your neck. Some women say that their migraines have decreased in frequency and duration by applying peppermint essential oil, or taking regular doses of magnesium. However, if you are taking certain kinds of medications, especially those that affect your blood pressure or heart function, large doses of magnesium may decrease the efficacy of those medications. Be sure to ask your doctor before engaging in any treatment regimen, natural or otherwise.
Migraines are a horrible and horribly misunderstood affliction. If you are new to coping with chronic migraines, you may feel stuck in a vicious cycle. But, with consideration and treatment, you will eventually find a better path.
