Migraine - Sports Injury

A migraine is identified by an intense pounding or throbbing type of pain which is felt at the front of the head and is a type of vascular headache. The pain is periodic and is felt in the forehead, at the temples or near the ear, the top of the jaw or near the eye area. It is possible that before a migraine attack you might experience a visual disturbance, such as fuzziness or flashing white grains or stars in front of your eyes known as an ‘aura’. Typically this could last up to between 15 or 20 minutes before you experience any pain. Further visual impairments, speech difficulty and nausea could also be experienced during or after the migraine attack.

There a few factors which may affect your likelihood of suffering from migraines. Environmental elements like experiencing a change in altitude, such as with mountain climbing, can make you more susceptible to an attack. Biological variation is a factor too, changes in your diet or sleeping patterns are adaptable, but changes in metabolism, blood pressure and hormonal shifts are less controllable. In some cases a change in medication can also make you more prone to migraines, so take care to look at the side effects of any medicine you take and ask your doctor to explain the potential of any negative reactions you might experience.

Treating a Migraine

Treating a migraine usually involves a degree of pain management, however taking general use painkillers such as Paracetamol and aspirin should be avoided as it can worsen the symptoms of future migraines. Alterative measures should be taken instead to relieve pain. Treatments you can affect yourself are simple actions which might alleviate the intensity of the migraine. Applying pressure near the temples can ease the pain temporarily: pressing on arteries in front of the ears or on the painful part of the head for mild relief. Applying a cold pack to your head as well may also alleviate the pain. For more permanent and preventative treatment it is advisable you seek your doctor’s opinion. Sometimes monitoring and changing your diet or sleep patterns can remove the risk of migraines. Migraines are also often linked to stress, so any reduction or removal of stressful situations will help alleviate migraine risk. Undergoing biofeedback training will enable you to listen to your body and adapt your lifestyle or habits to help relieve a condition like a migraine attack.