a.k.a. How To Survive a Migraine
Migraines can be extremely painful, disorienting and isolating. Having a plan in place with strategies that help ease the pain can make the experience less unbearable. These are items that have helped my migraines, or prevented them from getting worse. Most of the products are simple, but when you stack them, they can make a huge difference and make hell a bit less hellish.
For reference, I have created this list from over a decade of migraine experience, but always ask your doctor before you try something new. Just because something worked great for me does not mean it would work for you. Hopefully this list can bring you some hope, comfort, or contentness that you are not alone in your pain even though it sure as hell feels like it!
1. Earplugs
Being in a quiet room is not always possible. Loud people are everywhere and they always seem to love giving their opinion even though no one asked for it. This is when you can pull out some handy ear plugs from your back pocket and secure them in your ears so you can be a little more at ease.
These are my favorite earplugs that I have been using for years. I buy them in bulk to save.
2. Noise canceling headphones (Bose)
This is my holy grail. I have tried cheap noise canceling headphones but the only headphones I use continuously are by Bose. I have used these headphones for over a decade and they dampen the sound in a room so the pitches are not so loud, painful, and jarring. These headphones are expensive. They are surely an investment, but if you have frequent migraines, they may be your new best friend.
They have helped me be able to go to places and be around groups of people that I would have had to avoid otherwise. My favorite headphones in these line are the older style that are not sold widely anymore. The new ones all have bluetooth, but I prefer the ones without bluetooth because I am just stubborn like that. The style I linked above is what Bose is currently selling in their QuietComfort line.
Some people get nauseous or dizzy with their migraines. I tend to get very car sick when a migraine hits. These wristbands work for me, but they work best when I put them on before the car ride starts. They bring down my nausea and sometimes make it go away completely. You can read up on them, but they use acupressure points in your wrists to help tame your nausea. Cool, and it seems to work!
4. Ginger candies / Ginger tea
Here is another nausea product. Ginger is key. I do not know how it works, but it does. Ginger uses your taste buds to rid you of your nausea. When you are nauseous, you likely feel repulsed by the thought of eating anything. I swear that when I force some ginger into my mouth it helps, a lot! *It is crazy how much it helps. Ginger in any form can work, but chewy candies and tea are my favorite. I once tried to eat raw ginger and that was not for me, so maybe don’t try that!
5. Sunglasses
Blue/green tinted aviators are my go-to, but I have various pairs stashed in multiple locations in case light sensitivity comes to say hello. It is important to note that polarized sunglasses can be extra helpful for some, and for others, polarized lenses can actually make the eyes more confused during a migraine. That was the case with me after I had a head injury.
6. Ice pack
Some people prefer heat, while some prefer cold. This is a very personal preference, but it can be something to try if you feel stuck. I have put an ice pack on my head, face, and neck. Sometimes it helps, while other times it makes it worse. It can be a gamble but when I am desperate, I will try anything.
I would recommend trying this when your migraine is not a 10/10. Maybe when you are having a milder day, get a sense if cold works for you.
I have yet to find a solid, durable hot/cold pack, so I won’t link one specifically that I recommend.
7. Heating pad
I tend to use a heating pad on my shoulders and back. When I loosen those muscles, my migraines can lessen. However, this is not always the case. Sometimes heat can make my pain increase and then I abandon all hope for the time being.
8. Eye mask
The kind of mask you use to sleep can be helpful if finding a dark room is not possible. A mask is small enough to keep in any bag and when combined with earplugs and/or noise cancelling headphones, it can be beautiful.
My favorite sleep masks are the ones I have been given randomly by family members, so I have no link for this one either. I prefer soft, cotton masks that are malleable and not structured.
9. Coffee / caffeine
Another very personal topic. Caffeine can be a huge no-no for some people, while others get relief from it. For me, it depends on the day. I have found that coffee that is half caffeinated and half not is the safest option for me. Also, not adding sweetener tends to be better for my pain but not as great for my tastebuds. I settle on adding some honey or agave instead of sugar.
10. Electrolytes (BodyBio) / Vitamin Water
My stomach hates Gatorade but I recently found a way to get electrolytes that does not involve tons of sugar and stomach cramps. Body Bio has helped ease some of my pain. I also sometimes have Vitamin Water when I want something sweeter and some vitamins. Depending on the day, these drinks can make a big difference, or none at all.
Leave your other migraine recommendations in the comments.
**Amazon affiliate links for each product
*Disclaimer: Obviously, none of this is medical advice. Ask your doctor before you try anything new. Just because something helped me, doesn’t mean it will help you.
Aloha Arianna 