10 Effective Tips to Help Manage Migraine Attacks

During these hot summer days when we experience the highest temperatures, an increase in migraine attacks can be observed. Dr. Ayça Gül Sun, Neurology Specialist at Acıbadem International Hospital, emphasizes that migraine pain can last 4 hours or continue for up to 3 days, stating: "Although the pain may feel as if it will never end, there is no migraine attack that never ends. What is important is to prevent migraine attacks from negatively affecting quality of life, social life and work life. The frequency of migraine attacks differs from person to person, and even in the same person there can be seasonal variations. With some preventive measures and applicable protective treatment methods, the frequency of attacks can be reduced," she says. Dr. Ayça Gül Sun, Neurology Specialist at Acıbadem International Hospital, explained 10 ways to get rid of migraine attacks and provided important warnings.

Keep a Migraine Diary

Sleep disorder, skipping meals, consuming certain foods, weather changes and menstrual periods are among the known triggers of migraine. To get rid of migraine pain, it is very important to first know these triggers. For this, keep a migraine diary. When you think back to the 3 days before your migraine attack, note what was different.

Don't Skip Meals and Consume Sufficient Water

Always have breakfast every morning, make sure not to skip meals. Not meeting daily fluid requirements is a triggering factor for migraine attacks. Do not forget that fluid loss can also occur through perspiration in hot weather. Therefore, do not neglect to drink at least 2 litres of water per day.

Try to Spend Time in Cool Places

In hot weather, do not go outside during the hottest hours of the day. When going outside, wear a hat and sunglasses. Prefer cool, air-conditioned environments. During the day, also avoid sudden temperature and light changes.

Monitor the Weather Regularly

Wind from the south is synonymous with attacks in almost all migraine patients. Additionally, hot weather can increase attack frequency on its own, and can also contribute indirectly to an increase in attacks.

Sleep hygiene is very important

Neurology Specialist Dr. Ayça Gül Sun states that if you experience sleep problems, you need to first ensure sleep hygiene, saying: "Make sure your sleep and wake times are at the same hours, even on weekends. The temperature of your sleeping environment, adequate ventilation and humidity are important for falling asleep. In the hours before sleep, avoid beverages such as tea and coffee that could keep you awake. You can take a shower before bed to relax. Calm music you can listen to in bed, rhythmic sounds called white noise, can make it easier for you to fall asleep."

Pay attention to trigger foods!

Each of the foods listed below may not be a personal trigger. If you know which of these foods you consume when your attack begins, you can protect yourself from attacks by avoiding them. For this, it is also very important to read the contents written on the packages of ready-made foods you purchase.

Take precautions before menstruation

In some migraine patients, attacks have a clear relationship with the menstrual cycle. With some precautions or treatments you can take before menstruation, you have a chance to be protected from the expected attack. You can track your menstrual days with a calendar and obtain information from your doctor about precautions you can take.

Do Not Neglect Your Regular Check-ups

Anaemia and vitamin deficiencies (especially vitamin D deficiency, thyroid hormone disorders) have an intensifying effect on migraine attacks. Therefore, have blood tests done at least once a year.

Exercise 3 Times a Week

Regular exercise increases endorphin release; balances chemicals in the brain that cause pain, thereby preventing attacks. Exercises 3 times a week, 40 minutes each, help reduce the frequency of migraine attacks. Stretching and flexibility exercises, particularly in yoga and pilates, are also beneficial for neck and back pain that accompanies attacks.

Quit Smoking

Another harmful effect of smoking on health is that it can cause constriction in blood vessel walls. This process can also lead to an increase in migraine frequency.