Blog

Access the ADA Laws, Get your Benefits- Filing for Social Security disability law benefits for migraines can take time.  Before applying for disability, know your ADA rights.  Follow these 5 steps:

Fact: Migraine headaches are disabling

Migraine illness is a debilitating disease that impedes your quality of life.  Severe migraine attacks cause symptoms such as excruciating head pain, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, visual problems, and hypersensitivity to lights, sounds, and scents.  The unemployment rate among migraine patients is high; because of their illness, chronic migraineurs often have difficulty keeping a job, running a smooth household, keeping appointments, and maintaining a healthy relationship with family and friends.

Fact: You are an American with a disability

Unfortunately, many migraine sufferers fail to get proper support from friends, family, coworkers, and employers.  Because migraine symptoms are not visually apparent, a stigma surrounds migraine sufferers, an unspoken disbelief that migraines are a serious condition worthy of compensation.  In fact, most don’t realize that migraine is a neurological illness. Many sufferers find it easier to time off from work to recuperate from a severe migraine attack; losing wages, rather than go through the often nerve-racking ordeal of applying for disability.  However, according to the ADA, if you are unable to keep a job because of migraines, then you are eligible to receive Social Security disability benefits.

Here are some important tips to consider before applying for Social Security disability:

1- File for disability. Go online to the United States Social Security Administration (USSSA) website, click “Disability,” and then choose “Apply for Disability.”  Follow the online instructions.  Alternatively, you can also visit your local Social Security Administration office, or dial (800-772-1213) for live assistance in filling out your disability claim.  The advantage to filing in person, versus online is that you get a physical, stamped copy of your application to keep in your records.

2- Gather all your medical records. If you haven’t already, it is essential that you keep a full account of all information related to your migraine headaches.  In order to prove your disability, Social Security will need to see contact info for all doctors that you have visited for migraines, including the dates you were seen, insurance records, prescriptions for medications, medical testing reports, and employee history going back fifteen years before onset of migraine, including absences and leave.  Make sure to have extra copies, including a set for your own records.

3- Be prepared to answer questions. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), you are eligible to receive disability compensation, even if you suffer from an “invisible disease,” if you meet certain requirements.  Social Security will ask the following questions, in order to establish that you are unable to work, and therefore qualify for disability:

• Are you currently employed, and are you able to perform your job consistently?  Almost 75 percent of all migraineurs find it difficult to perform their regular job duties, and half admit that they have had to stay home from work because of migraine attacks.
• If you are unemployed, could you do the same kind of job that you had prior to becoming ill?
• Are you work in any other type of employment?
• Are your migraine headache symptoms debilitating?
• Does the SSA recognize your condition as a qualifying disability?  Whether or not the SSA concludes that migraine illness is keeping you out of work depends on the extent that migraines have interfered with your day-to-day life.  To qualify, you must convince them that you require at least one year away from work to undergo testing, try new therapies, determine migraine triggers, and find a migraine treatment that either prevents migraines or alleviates migraine pain considerably.

4- Play the waiting game. Applying for disability is a lengthy process.  Depending on your vicinity, you could end up waiting a few months…or a few years for a reply.  To keep the process going smooth, be extra vigilant about complying with time schedules.  Once you’re approved, you will not begin to receive your first disability benefits for another six full months.

5- If at first you don’t succeed, try again. Many migraine sufferers who apply for disability are not accepted the first time around. Instead of filing anew, make an appeal for reconsideration of your initial application.  Act quickly, because you only have 60 days to respond, in addition to an extra 5 days for postal service.  Provide new, updated medical records to the SSA yourself, rather than waiting for your hospital to “get around” to passing on the information.  Review your original disability application for errors, and include any missing information, like migraine treatments, hospital stays, or related ailments, in your appeal.  If possible, hire a lawyer skilled in disability law.

Related reading:

Cindy McCain Gives Voice to Migraine Syndrome

Migraine Sufferer to World: It’s not just a Headache, People!

Sources:

10 Things You Should Know About Chronic Migraines and Applying for Social Security Disability

Disability for Migraines, Social Security disability for Headaches

SSDI or SSI?  What are the differences and basics?

Disability- Migraines

My Disability Blog: Tips for filing a Social Security Disability Reconsideration

How do you know if your headaches are from migraines, or something life threatening, like stroke or meningitis?  Learn the warning signs of emergency headaches- When to Call 911, and when to just Chill…

Migraine headaches can be debilitating, frightening, and traumatic, but they don’t usually signal a life-threatening emergency.  Still, there are times when head pain, accompanied by other symptoms, could translate into a potentially dangerous health risk. It’s important to be able to recognize warning signs that could indicate stroke, brain damage, or heart disease, among other headache emergencies.

Below are 7 types of headaches that may require emergency intervention:

Explosive headaches- Also called thunderclap headaches; severe head pain appears abruptly, and quickly escalates into a debilitating headache.  Call 911, because a thunderclap headache could indicate stroke, brain aneurism, or meningitis.

New, unusual headache- Any headache symptoms that are unfamiliar to you should be reported to your physician immediately, especially if they accompany other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, or pain that is exacerbated by sudden movement, coughing, or sneezing.

Slow, progressive headache- Headaches that build up over several weeks could signal a severe brain injury, such as a tumor.  Signs such as neurological damage (speech slurring, visual distortions, partial paralysis, and hearing loss), seizures, or sudden, uncharacteristically disturbing behavior should be mentioned to a doctor.

Post-workout headache- A high correlation exists between physical activity and subarachnoid hemorrhage.  If you experience a sudden, excruciating headache while exercising, alert 911 right away.

Headaches with neck pain- Stiff neck pain sometimes causes headaches, but it can also signal a life-threatening illness, such as meningitis.  Rule it out by calling your doctor, and tell him if you have recently had a fever or a bacterial infection.

Consistent headache- If you have a headache that won’t go away and you also have a fever, temple pain, and visual disorders, contact 911; it could suggest an arterial damage.

Hypnic headache- If you have a headache immediately upon waking, then notify a neurologist or other headache specialist.  While it might not indicate anything life threatening, it most likely warrants an MRI.

Related reading:

“What are Ice Pick Headaches, and should I be worried?”

Prevent Suffering a Stroke- Follow these 5 Simple Rules

To ER or not to ER? 8 Migraine Signals that call for Emergency Care

Sources:

6 Head Pains You Should Never Ignore

Physical activity and subarachnoid haemorrhage: a population based case-control study

Severe Headache Emergency – Symptoms of a Severe Headache – RealAge

Headache: When not to ignore it

How To Rule out Meningitis as a Cause of a Stiff Neck

Do you know somebody who suffers from chronic migraines? Show them you care by giving them a thoughtful gift package of goodies every headache suffer wants.

More than Words

If you’re close with somebody who gets regular migraine attacks, then you probably understand the agony that they endure.  At times, it can be difficult to find the right words to offer comfort, especially when it seems like no amount of words will do.  Throbbing headaches, sharp jolts of eye pain, stomach cramps, intense nausea, and frequent vomiting are just a few of the symptoms associated with migraine attacks.  Nothing you can say will alleviate their pain, but a few caring gifts will speak louder than any words of sympathy.

What NOT to gift somebody who suffers from chronic migraine headaches:

• Trigger foods, such as cheese, chocolate, wine, dried meats, or really anything aged.  Perfumes and Migraines: The Good, the Bad, and the Downright Stinky

• Perfume
• Flowers
• Artificially scented candles.  A good alternative is a lightly scented candle made from soy or beeswax.
• Potpourri
• Scented soaps, lotions, or powders

Twenty Great Gifts for Chronic Migraine Headache Sufferers

• 1- Eye covers- Migraine headaches are sometimes caused by bright lights.  To relieve head pain, sufferers need to relax in a dark room with a cold or warm cloth over their eyes.   Look online for some soothing eye masks that provide relief.
• 2– Unscented bath products- A warm, sudsy bath is a delightful way to de-stress for at the end of the day.  Pick out a line of bath gels, salts, and foaming agents that don’t contain perfumes, as scents are a common migraine trigger.
• 3- Aromatherapy oils- For some migraineurs, essential oils such as peppermint, lavender, and rosemary provide headache relief.  For others, the opposite effect might be true.  Before diving into the apothecary section, ask your friend which scents trigger migraines for her.
• 4- Herbal tea collection- You can’t go wrong with a variety pack of caffeine-free teabags.
• 5- Dietary supplements- Instead of asking her if she knows about alternative medicine options, go ahead and buy her a bottle of natural nutrients for migraines, containing butterbur, magnesium, riboflavin, and C0Q10.  New York Times- Patient Thanks Butterbur for Migraine Relief
• 6- Music CD- Migraine patients benefit from relaxation exercises; order a CD that features calming background music, or instructional meditations.
• 7- Hot/Cold packs- Cold packs relieve swelling and head pain, but sometimes you want soothing heat for muscular aches.  Look for a hot/cold pack that does double duty.
• 8- New pillow- Buy her a fluffy pillow for when she is bedridden with headaches.  Specialty pillows include body pillows, side sleeping pillows, and neck pillows. 10 Unusual Chronic Pain Relief Tactics for the Bedridden
• 9- New zip-up robe- Most leisure robes and caftans come in one-size-fits-all, so that would be an easy gift to buy.
• 10- Neck massage tool- Neck pain contributes to headaches.  Most health stores and techie gadget shops sell a collection of massage tools for the neck and back.
• 11- Cleaning help- A migraine attack can last for day.  An elaborate (and much appreciated) gesture would be to hire a cleaning lady for the day.
• 12- Day planner- Having a calendar to track future errands, reminders, and events is an effective way to reduce stress.
• 13- IPad- iTunes offers a wide selection of health apps that are geared towards migraine patients, including headache diaries, stress managements, and more.   20 iPad Apps for Migraine Sufferers
• 14- Window tints- Vinyl window tints are an easy, inexpensive way to darken your room without buying heavy curtains. Wall paper for your windows comes in many attractive designs.
• 15- Tinted sunglasses- Dark sunglasses are effective for deflecting light-induced migraines.   Rainbow Colored Sunglasses that Prevent Migraines
• 16- Spa package- Who wouldn’t love a trip to a local spa, complete with massage, sauna, and facial?
• 17- Gym membership- Yoga and Tai Chi are therapeutic exercises for chronic pain sufferers.  Find a gym that has a good selection of fitness classes, and buy her a one-month membership.   Blow Off Migraine Pain with 4 Simple Yoga Breathing Exercises!
• 18- Biofeedback session- Biofeedback is a popular alternative migraine treatment that helps pain sufferers learn how to control stress.
• 19- Coupon booklet good for errands, carpooling, laundry, grocery runs, or just a hug.
• 20- Donation to non-profit migraine advocacy organization.
• See Top 20 Websites for Migraine Headache Patients for some reputable migraine support groups.

Related Reading:

35 Things you should never tell a Chronic Migraine Sufferer

Which Foods Trigger the Most Migraines? See our Checklist

Gotta Have Books for Migraineurs- 5 that Stand Out

Sources:

Top Ten Gift Ideas for a Migraine Sufferer

Headache Relief Gifts – Headache and Migraine Center – EverydayHealth.com

Gift Ideas for Headache Sufferers

12 Nice Things You Can Do For Someone In Pain

Outrageous, bizarre, and just plain ignorant things said to migraine headache patients by husbands, ER doctors, neurologists, coworkers, neighbors, family, and well-meaning friends. Responding to Wrong-Headed Migraine Tips:

Some things are better left unsaid

We’ve all received a few choice comments regarding our chronic migraines that we wish we could forget.  Often, people mean well, but simply don’t know what to say.  At such times, the right response is usually no response.  Saying something to a friend or neighbor that you might regret later will just add fuel to your already raging inferno of stress.

Then, there are the times when people make insensitive comments, the kind that frankly leave you too flabbergasted for words.  A good line of defense is to store up some verbal ammo, something that, when said with a faint smile, will get your point across without causing offense.

Here is a list of 35 things people should never say to anybody suffering from chronic migraine pain, and some suitable replies.

1. Have you tried (fill in the blanks)? Yes, I’ve heard of aspirin, Excedrin, Imitrex, Botox, Aleve, etc.
2. Migraines, they have treatments for that now.  You must not be trying hard enough. Just grin and walk away.
3. Have you tried Googling your migraine symptoms? Even better, send your friends, family, and coworkers a few links to some helpful migraine advocate websites.   Top 20 Websites for Migraine Headache Patients
4. It’s all in your head. Correct- my brain, which is in my head, keeps sending out pain signals to my nerve sensors.
5. We all get headaches… Yes, well, migraine illness is a neurological disease, like Parkinson’s disease.
6. What, are you sick again? Unfortunately, I will probably have to battle with migraines all of my life, unless scientists come up with a foolproof cure.
7. Funny, you don’t look sick… Looks can be deceiving.
8. Gosh, you look terrible! Thanks?
9. What can I do to help? This question is okay, as long as you plan on following up with real actions.  Offer to pitch in with housework, drive carpool for a few days, or pick something up at the supermarket.
10. What’s with the sunglasses? I’m not trying to bring back the 80’s, it’s just that bright lighting causes migraines.
11. Why don’t you get out and enjoy life a bit? Between migraine attacks, I do go out and do the same things non-migraineurs do.  But during a migraine attack, and while recuperating afterwards, the pain is just too immense for me to even step outside.
12. Maybe if you just stop thinking about it all the time, it would go away. You try to “stop thinking” about a blunt axe digging into the side of your head, which is what migraine headaches often bear to mind.
13. You just need to learn how to relax. Stress is the #1 contributor to headaches, that is true.  However, relaxation techniques are just one part of a multi-faceted plan towards preventing chronic migraines.  6 Migraine Myth-conceptions
14. You just need to exercise more. Same as above, yoga, tai chi, and moderate aerobics are all effective at reducing the number and severity of migraine symptoms, but they are part of a larger pain management approach.
15. You’re just looking for attention. Toddlers, children, and sometimes, troubled teenagers, seek negative attention.  Please don’t infantilize my condition.
16. You just need to have a few kids. It’s true that pregnancies sometimes reverse the symptoms of migraines, but you’re not suggesting I have babies just to prevent having migraines, are you?  6 Safe Migraine Treatments for Pregnant Moms
17. You just need to drink more (fill in the blanks with either alcohol or water).
18. You just need more sex (from husband).
19. You get migraines at the most inconvenient times (also, from husband).
20. You’re probably just getting your period. If that’s the case, then I’ve been getting menstrual migraines for approximately twenty years.
21. You must have done something to deserve this (from clergymen).
22. Your migraines make you an inconvenience to others and a detriment to society (also, from clergymen).
23. You must have a low threshold for pain. Actually, to quote Diana Lee, blog master of Somebody Heal Me, “Some research in the past few years suggests we actually have greater pain tolerance than non migraineurs.”
24. Now that you’ve been laid off, the migraines will go away, because obviously they are caused by stress, right? (From coworkers) That’s like saying to a married couple who has been trying to conceive, “Now that you’ve adopted a child, you’ll probably get pregnant right away!”
25. No pain, no gain! That saying isn’t even true about sports, anymore.
26. Well, at least it is not life threatening (from neurologist).
27. It can’t be that bad; you came to work, didn’t you? Because I’m still waiting on that winning lottery ticket…
28. Why aren’t you home in bed, lying in a dark room with a cold cloth on your head? Are you offering to pay my mortgage and feed my family?
29. I get migraines, but that doesn’t stop me from going to work, doing the laundry, visiting my family, etc. Like most things in life, migraine symptoms are not black and white; migraine sufferers experience a wide range of side effects, including nausea, vomiting, head pain, light sensitivity, aura (visual disturbances), speech slurring, feebleness, and temporary loss of consciousness.  So, your migraine experience does not necessarily correlate to anyone else’s.
30. When I was your age, I didn’t have the luxury of being sick. This is your grandma talking, so just smile and politely change the subject.
31. Did you forget to take your Happy Pills today? Pretend you didn’t hear that one.
32. I just hate taking pain pills… Yeah, well, it’s no pleasure cruise for me, either.
33. Wow, you’re like a walking medicine cabinet! Think to yourself, “Then why did I forget my stupid pills?”
34. You know, we try not to encourage narcotic drug addiction. (from ER doctor, to a patient who was suffering a severe migraine attack, complete with throbbing headache, vomiting, and nausea).  If you’re distressed, and in extreme agony, then you probably won’t be able to think clearly enough to respond appropriately.  If you know somebody who is a good advocate, somebody who’s not afraid to stand up to an inexperienced, overeducated ER doctor, then enlist that person as your emergency hospital chaperone.  When the pain is overwhelming, let somebody else do the talking for you, and you’re more likely to get a positive outcome.
35. (Referring to migraine trigger foods) You might as well eat that- you’re bound to get another headache soon, anyways. Such remarks are tacky and insensitive.  You wouldn’t say that to somebody who’s on a restrictive diet, or somebody who’s trying to lose weight, would you?

Related reading:

Migraine Sufferer to World: It’s not just a Headache, People!

Managing your Migraines at Work- 4 Healthy Changes in Attitude

Migraine Aura Video Simulations: You Tube’s Top 10

Sources:

10 Things NOT to Say to a Person with Migraines

Twenty Things NOT To Say To A Person With An Invisible Illness

What is the worst thing anyone has or can say to you about migraine?

12 Nice Things You Can Do For Someone In Pain

Flickr

Are teenagers responsible for their migraines? Chronic migraines among teens often occur because of risky lifestyle choices. Prevent these 3 teenage migraine trigger, and end your teen’s throbbing head pain.

Teen migraines- more common than you think.

Millions of people around the globe suffer from chronic migraines, and teenagers are no exception. Almost one quarter of all adult migraineurs claim that they had their first migraine headache during their adolescent years.  Recent research states that approximately 10 percent of all teens get frequent migraines.  As with adults, girls make up the majority teenaged migraine sufferers.

How do I know if my teen is having migraines?

Your teenager’s migraine attacks are probably shorter than an adult’s is, although the symptoms are likely the same.  Some warning signs to look out for are:

• Recurring head pain that impairs her ability to function
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Vomiting
• Light sensitivity
• Fatigue
• Aura, including visual disturbances, numbness, and slurred speech

Three factors that influence migraines among teenagers.

There are many possible triggers for migraine pain, including food, stress, lack of sleep, and hormones, but some alarming research links frequent migraines with these three teen health issues:

Smoking, obesity, and inactivity

Researchers in Norway interviewed 6,000 teens between the ages of thirteen and eighteen, hoping to prove a correlation between migraine headaches among youths and unhealthy lifestyle choices such as smoking and obesity.

• Nineteen percent of the teenaged test subjects admitted that they smoked cigarettes.
• Sixteen percent were overweight.
• Thirty-one percent participated in physical activity less than two times per week.
• Of the girls, 36 percent suffered from chronic headaches the past year, where 21 percent of boys experienced regular head pain.
• Over 55 percent of teens who were obese, inactive, and smoked also experienced migraine headaches.  Comparatively, 25 percent of “healthy” teenagers, teens who exercised regularly, were of average weight, and didn’t smoke, reported getting frequent headaches.
• Obese teens who smoked were about 40-50 percent more likely to suffer from migraines than their healthier peers were.  Overweight smokers who also refrained from exercising more than twice a week were 70 percent more likely to get migraines.

Teen migraine treatments

Good news: about 40 percent of teens and children who suffer migraines lose their migraine symptoms once they reach their college years, and 60 percent say that their migraines have reduced in severity.  Until then, neurologists advise teen migraineurs to make the following health changes:

• Quit smoking- aside from causing migraines, smoking cigarettes causes numerous health problems, including heart disease, lung cancer, emphysema, and a host of other debilitating, life-threatening diseases.
• Eat healthy meals that include low-fat protein sources, vegetables, and whole grains.  Never skip meals.  Eating regularly throughout the day boosts the metabolism, and prevents the body from needlessly storing fat calories.
• Exercise for at least 20 minutes, four to five times per week.  Include a combination of aerobics and strength training.
• Sleep at least eight hours each night.
• Drink plenty of water, and avoid caffeinated beverages.
• Include vitamins and dietary supplements in your diet.  For migraines, health practitioners advise magnesium, riboflavin, feverfew, butterbur, and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10).

For more info about migraine treatments, read:

New York Times- Patient Thanks Butterbur for Migraine Relief

Stay Hydrated without Drinking Water- 5 Hydrating Foods

Foods that Relieve Stress and Improve your Mood- The Fab 4

Sources:

Headaches in Teens- LIVESTRONG.COM

Lifestyle factors linked to teens’ headaches- Reuters

Obesity, Smoking Linked to Teen Migraines

Help for Teen Migraines

Many Teens Lose Migraines As They Reach Adulthood

 


 

Migraine auras are a visual phenomenon that occurs minutes before a migraine attack strikes. What do Ocular Migraine Auras look like?

  The symptoms of migraine aura include visual distortions, stomach cramping, nausea, vomiting, slurred speech, and loss of spatial awareness and time perception.  Auras precede a migraine by minutes, giving sufferers little time to prepare for the attack.  Also see:  10 Unusual Chronic Pain Relief Tactics for the Bedridden

Stroke or Migraine?

Recently, TV news anchor Serene Branson made headlines when she suffered a migraine aura on the air, while reporting on the Grammy Awards.  You Tube views clicked in by the thousands to watch the 10-second video clip of Serene slurring and speaking “gibberish,” symptoms that many onlookers and television viewers confused with the symptoms of stroke.  In the following caption, Serene Branson tells Good Morning America what was going through her mind during the live TV Red Carpet segment.

Strange but True: Migraines can Give You a British Accent

Migraines with Eye Swelling

Migraine sufferers often experience severe eye pain during a migraine attack.  For many, the agony is excruciating, described as sharp throbbing pain behind one eye socket.  The pain can last for hours, during which time migraine victims are unable to do much else than lie in a dark quiet room.  Migraine aura with swelling behind the eye can look like this:

Related:  “What are Ice Pick Headaches, and should I be worried?”

Migraine Auras

Migraine auras can create different types of visual hallucinations; many descriptions vary by patients.  Sometimes, the symptoms of aura strike without head pain.  Migraine attacks that do not include headaches are called “silent migraines.” Below are some examples of the many different variations in auras witnessed by chronic migraine sufferers.

Do any of these resemble your experiences with auras?

Below- one of the most common type of migraine auras involve seeing a growing arc-shaped hallucination.

Do your migraine auras begin with sparkling “firefly” images that lead to rainbow-like zigzagging flecks of light?

Below is a simulation of what a migraine with aura would look like in a work environment.

This video shows what a migraine attack can look like behind the wheel.  The driver portrayed in this caption witnesses an array of colorful light patterns while driving his car.

The following video depicts another example of migraines with aura on the road, this time showing us what “tunnel vision” auras look like.

Go Ask Alice: Migraine Auras in Wonderland

Ocular Migraine

Ocular migraines are similar to migraines with aura, with one noticeable exception: while ocular migraines strike only one eye, migraine auras can affect vision in both eyes simultaneously.  Optical migraines occur when the eyes do not receive enough blood flow, a symptom that results from constricting blood vessels.  A headache may or may not accompany an ophthalmic migraine.

Below is a demonstration of what an ocular migraine may look like:

Migraine Art

Migraine sufferers often use art therapy to ease their anxieties about migraines. “Migraine art” allows patients  to describe their agony in a way that is visual, giving onlookers a chance to feel their pain.  By expressing themselves through paintings, photography, videography, and poetry, migraineurs put a face on an otherwise invisible disease.  By raising  migraine awareness, migraine patients and researchers hope to end the stigma surrounding migraines, and accumulate funds towards migraine education and the pursuit of a cure.

Below is a short montage of migraine art submissions.

Migraine Auras, Explained

Migraine auras can be frightening, especially if you have never experienced one before.  Migraine auras may cause feelings of panic, depression, hopelessness, or dizziness.  Many fear that they are suffering a stroke or brain tumor.  The best way to combat migraine anxiety is to know the facts.  Below is a short video describing the science behind migraines with aura.

Related reading:

Headaches can Cause Blindness- 4 Facts about Ocular Migraines

The Four Phases of Migraine Headache Attacks

Cindy McCain Gives Voice to Migraine Syndrome

Photo by Flickr

Ocular Migraine, or Migraine with Aura? Many confuse ocular migraines (optical migraine, ophthalmic migraine) with migraine with aura. Identifying ocular migraines is simple, with these four basic tips.

What is an ocular migraine?

According to the Mayo Clinic, ocular migraines (also called “retinal migraines” or “ophthalmic migraines”) are migraine headaches that cause temporary blindness or visual impairment.  Ocular migraines occur when blood vessels contract, inhibiting the flow of blood to your eyes.  An ocular migraine attack lasts around five to thirty minutes.  While generally harmless, ocular migraines can produce feelings of panic, nausea, and dizziness in migraine sufferers.

What are the symptoms of ocular migraines?

Ocular migraine begins with an “aura,” a blind spot out of the corner of the eye that gradually gets bigger, making it difficult to focus on anything else, like driving a car, reading, or writing.

Typically, visual distortions associated with ocular migraines follow a pattern:

• Initially, a small spot of light, or blind spot, appears in one side of your peripheral vision.  Additionally, a dull, throbbing headache might appear.
• Within ten minutes, the blind spot grows, taking up your entire peripheral vision on that side.
• At this point, your vision is severely impaired.  You might experience temporary blindness, distorted blurry vision, or a bright, iridescent orb that clouds your eyesight.
• Sometimes, disorientation ensues, a result of trying to see out of only one eye.
• After approximately half an hour, the ocular migraine aura disappears.
• Most people feel exhausted, wiped out after an ocular migraine, but after a brief nap, you should feel much better.
• You might feel nausea, either because of the aura itself, or from anxiety.

Migraine Nausea and Vomiting- 10 Natural Home Remedies

Ocular migraine or migraine with aura?

Sometimes, people confuse the symptoms of ocular migraines with those of migraines with aura, particularly in the absence of head pain.  One important distinction is that while ocular migraines strike only one eye, migraine auras can create bright zigzagging images, flashing lights, and blind spots in either or both eyes.

Treating ocular migraines

As with any other type of migraine headache, there is no “one option” for preventing or relieving the chronic pain symptoms.  Visit a neurologist, and find out what migraine medications are available for your specific condition.  Additionally, you should keep a migraine journal, avoid headache triggers, take dietary supplements, and avoid stress, at all costs.

• Writing in a headache diary is the best way to detect migraine triggers, which may include factors like food, weather, hormones, air pressure, scents, or emotional health.  For tips on including relevant information in your migraine journal, read 10 Clues your should Include in your Headache Diary Today.
• If bright lights cause your headaches, consider wearing tinted sunglasses.  Experiment with different shades of lenses, as results vary for different migraine patients.  Overall, most migraineurs report decreased pain while wearing rose-tinted shades.
• For many, supplementing with a mixture of butterbur, magnesium, riboflavin, and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an excellent way to improve neurological health while managing migraines.

Related reading:

Foods that Relieve Stress and Improve your Mood- The Fab 4

New York Times- Patient Thanks Butterbur for Migraine Relief

Go Ask Alice: Migraine Auras in Wonderland

Sources:

Causes of Optical Migraine Headaches- Livestrong

Ocular migraine: What causes it? Mayo Clinic

What Is an Ocular Migraine?

Do you suffer upset stomach, even after taking migraine headache treatments? Raid your pantry for these ten natural herbal ingredients for nausea and vomiting.

The pain isn’t always the hardest part…

Migraine headache pain can be excruciating, indeed.  For 90% of all migraineurs, chronic head pain can get bad enough to keep you out of work for hours, sometimes days.  And the throbbing, piercing headaches aren’t always the worst part- for many, stomach-crunching nausea and vomiting cause the most agony.  While prescription migraine medications like Imitrex or Maxalt relieve nausea to a degree, they are not 100% effective at preventing or alleviating migraine headache symptoms.

Migraine Sufferer to World: It’s not just a Headache, People!

For nausea, look no farther than your spice rack

For the times when prescribed migraine treatments don’t perform as promised, it is comforting to know that there are many alternative home remedies for quelling stomach upset.  If you’ve ever baked gingerbread or pumpkin pie, then you already have some of the best natural ingredients for relieving nausea in your kitchen cupboard.  Spices like cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and cloves are excellent at easing stomach queasiness.  Other remedies like ginseng or rooibos require a visit to your local health food stores.

Go Ask Alice: Migraine Auras in Wonderland

Ten home remedies for nausea and vomiting that you (probably) already have:

1- American ginseng: Used by alternative medicine practitioners for digestive health, American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is an effective tonic that alleviates occasional acid reflux, bloating, and uncomfortable fullness. For best health results, use before feelings of nausea become severe.

2- Peppermint: Peppermint tea and peppermint oil are therapeutic for relieving sour stomach symptoms, such as occasional indigestion, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting.  Note that peppermint extract is not comparable to peppermint oil; the oil of the mint leaf produces a much more powerful, more pungent mint essence that is most suitable herbal benefits.  For tea, brew fresh peppermint leaves in boiling water, but don’t strain; chew the wilted peppermint leaves between sips of tea.  Alternatively, substitute dried peppermint leaves.

3- Cinnamon and cloves: Sipping tea made by brewing one-half of a teaspoon of cinnamon, or one teaspoon of cloves, is an age-old practice for upset stomach.  Pour one cup of boiling water over spices, allow to seep, and strain.

4- Cumin and nutmeg: Alternatively, an infusion of one teaspoon of crushed cumin seeds and a pinch of nutmeg is also effective for relieving sour stomach.

5- Ginger: One of the best natural ingredients for nausea is ginger, which is available in many forms.  If you’re a purist, simply peel and grate a piece of ginger root, squeeze it through a garlic crusher, and catch the healing juices in a small bowl.  Drink by the teaspoon, or add to hot water or tea.  Ginger pills are also a popular option.  Other ways to get your ginger:

• Pickled ginger, the kind that comes with sushi
• Candied, crystallized ginger
• Ginger chews
• Ginger tea
• Ginger ale made with pure ginger extracts- not the kind you can get at the corner supermarket
• Extra spicy gingersnaps

6- Onion: Still got your ginger?  To one teaspoon of grated ginger, add one teaspoon of fresh onion juice.  It’s not for the faint of heart, but many people swear by its ability to calm queasy stomachs.

7- Lavender: Topical lavender oil (Lavandula angustifolia) is a favored aromatherapy ingredient for enhancing digestive health; that is because lavender contains camphor oil, a powerful tonic for relieving upset stomach.  To make a lavender-scented migraine sachet, take a small square of fabric (a cloth napkin or bandana would work in a pinch), sprinkle some dried lavender in the center, and douse with a few drops of lavender oil.  Bring all four corners together and secure with a piece of ribbon or string.  Inhale deeply whenever you feel stressed, nauseous, or strung out.

8- Rooibos: Rooibos tea is beneficial for providing antioxidant protection, in addition to promoting good indigestion, a healthy inflammatory response, and soothing stress.  Rooibos is gentle enough for infants, and is helpful for relieving sour stomach.

9- Aniseed: Aniseed has a lovely, licorice-like aroma.  Brew a cup of sweet aniseed tea for good digestive health.  Pour a half-cup of boiling water over a quarter teaspoon of aniseed; seep five minutes.  Aniseed also adds a pleasing taste to cooked vegetables, soups, and salads.

10- Vinegar: After vomiting, rinse your mouth with one part vinegar and one part water.  The healthful properties of vinegar are useful for removing the smell of stomach acids and promoting dental health.  Without swallowing or gargling, gently swish a quarter-cup of vinegar with a quarter-cup of water in your mouth, and then spit.

Related reading:

“What are Ice Pick Headaches, and should I be worried?”

Which Foods Trigger the Most Migraines? See our Checklist

Sources:

Nausea and Vomiting – Herbal Remedies Guide

4 Natural Remedies for Nausea – Digestive Health Center – Everyday Health

Discovery Health “20 Home Remedies for Nausea”

Rooibos Tea Benefits- Powerful Antioxidants Flavonoids

Eating to Relieve Stress? Actually, it’s OK. Give in to your body’s food cravings! Eating healthy vitamin-packed foods lowers stress levels, reduces migraines, and puts you in a better mood.

Binge on this, instead

Emotional eating has taken a bad rap. The fact is, your mood affects your eating habits, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing.  Feeling tired, fatigued?  Your body needs energy, the kind you get from healthy carbohydrates, such as fruits and whole grains. 

When stress levels hit the ceiling, your body needs to build up its defenses and keep blood pressure down; enhance your immune system response and balance already healthy blood pressure by eating foods that contain vitamin C and  vitamin E. Feeling depressed?  Eating healthy carbs that monitor cortisol and serotonin levels is an effective way to achieve relaxation.

It’s okay to be a little nutty

Almonds are one of the healthiest nuts in town; they’re loaded with vitamin E,  essential for providing antioxidant protection and maintaining healthy immune system functioning.  Include a small handful of raw almonds with your breakfast, lunch, or just as a snack. 

Alternatively, studies confirm that crunching on pistachios and walnuts soothes stress by promoting already healthy blood pressure levels, so get cracking!

C if for calm

Vitamin C is not just for maintaining a healthy immune system; researchers link vitamin C supplementation with enhanced feelings of emotional well-being, preservation of already healthy blood pressure, and beneficial interactions with the stress hormone, cortisol.  Oranges and papayas are powerhouses of vitamin C, in addition to pineapple and blueberries.  

If you can’t get them fresh, buy frozen.  Fruits from the frozen aisles are cheaper than imported goods and have the same nutritious health benefits.

Green is great

Rich, creamy avocado nature’s butter; avocado is high in monounsaturated fats and potassium, which are excellent at maintaining a healthy heart and soothing nervous tension.  Additionally, avocados benefit cognitive health by interacting with  serotonin, a hormone that relieves stress, promotes a sense of calm, and relieves occasional sleeplessness.  Another great green for alleviating everyday stress is spinach, which is rich in magnesium.  

In addition to promoting relaxation, magnesium is also a beneficial nutrient for migraine sufferers, according to studies on magnesium deficiency.

Go whole the way

Craving carbs is a natural side effect of stress. Your body needs carbohydrates to produce serotonin, a hormone that your brain needs more than ever when your nerves are on red alert. 

Instead of indulging in unhealthy refined sugary foods, treat your body to the ultimate comfort food- a steaming mug of creamy oats, topped with a dash of cinnamon and a few spoons of cold milk. 

Because whole grains take longer for your body to digest, you won’t get that sugar rush that comes with eating junk breakfast cereals.

For lunch or dinner, swap your starchy white rice stand-by for nutritious brown basmati rice.  You’ll love the nutty flavor and chewy texture. 

Whole-wheat pastas have also come a long way since the early days- today’s healthy pastas come in a variety of whole grains, such as corn, wheat, and barley, and have a lighter, milder texture that will hold up well in your favorite lasagna, spaghetti, or ravioli recipes.

Related reading:

Stop Your Next Panic Attack in 4 Simple Steps

New Study Warns against Taking these Painkillers with Antidepressants

Which Foods Trigger the Most Migraines? See our Checklist

Stay Hydrated without Drinking Water- 5 Hydrating Foods

Sources:

7 Best Stress-Fighting Foods

Beat Stress: Emotional Eating Isn’t Always Bad | Women’s Health Magazine

Best Foods to Fight Stress and Improve Mood – Redbook

Role of magnesium in the pathogenesis and treatment of migraines

Top 10 Foods That Relieve Stress- AskMen

Serotonin Level & Migraines- LIVESTRONG

In the New York Times piece entitled, Patient Voices: Migraine, six migraine sufferers attest to the agony experienced by migraine sufferers, including how they managed to overcome their debilitating illness.  One, Aviva Goldfarb, tells of her success with butterbur extract.

Migraines are a neurological illness

Migraine headache attacks afflict millions of people with debilitating head pain that makes it to perform everyday tasks.  In addition to throbbing, localized head pain, migraine attacks cause a series of other distressing side effects, such as severe nausea, stomach cramps, visual disturbances, difficulty speaking, and extreme sensitivity to light, sounds, and scents. 

Migraine triggers range by the dozen, in categories such as food, weather, and hormonal fluctuations.  Not surprisingly, many chronic migraine patients have difficulty holding down well-paying jobs, and frequently seek disability assistance.

Migraine sufferer finds relief- finally

In this interview featured in the New York Times, cookbook author Aviva Goldfarb talks about her experience with migraine management, medications, and a popular nutrient for migraines, butterbur extract, which has given her amazing results.
The following is a transcription of a New York Times article, Patient Voices: Migraines

Aviva Goldfarb: Headaches have been a lifelong affliction for me, almost so much that they’ve become a part of my life, but they’ve never been debilitative.  I can pretty much do anything that I really have to do, most of the time, when I have a headache.  It’s just painful.  And my mood would start to sour, or I would be less productive, because my energy would be lower, if I had a headache.

Headache Journaling…

I have a journal here, and I write down every time I have a headache; what I would take, and how long it would last, to see if there were any triggers, and also just to see how many headaches I was having.  So, I started a few years ago, and it turned out that some months, I was having fifteen, eighteen, even twenty headaches a month. (See: 10 Clues your should Include in your Headache Diary Today)

If at first you don’t succeed…

What I’ve learned, is that every time you try something, when you are trying to get rid of headaches, you have to try them for at least a month, though that would mean that that month I would have to try something that usually didn’t work, just to see it through, to see if it was having an effect.  I tried getting rid of wine for a month, and that didn’t do anything; these are some common triggers.  I tried getting rid of sugar for a month.  I tried getting rid of caffeine, and those are pretty much the three loves of my life, so that was hard, but I didn’t have to do them all simultaneously.  None of them had any impact.

My headaches did respond to migraine medication when I took it, and that was good, but the migraine medications had side effects that didn’t make me feel great.  I played around until I found one that I could tolerate, but the problem was, it took six to eight hours to kick in, so it wasn’t ideal.

Butterbur- Isn’t that what Harry Potter is always drinking?

I have now been taking butterbur for, I would say, ten months, or so, and it really has improved my headache situation.  I think it’s cut them by thirty to fifty percent, and when I do get them, they’re not as intense.  So, finally, I found something that does help for me.

People seem to look at me like, Is she for real, can I take her seriously? Butterbur.  I mean, it’s got kind of a funny name; it sounds like Butterball turkey.  I got it at the apothecary, and who knows what an apothecary is, anyways?  But I don’t really care- I can have a sense of humor about it.  

Butterbur for migraines- it’s catching on.

But eventually, maybe this will be something that neurologists all over the country are prescribing, and I think that neurologists in other parts of the world are already prescribing it, so maybe I’ll be on the cutting edge.  -End.

Source:

Patient Voices: Migraine – Interactive Feature – NYTimes.com