A MIGRAINE IS NOT 'JUST A HEADACHE'

As any migraine sufferer can tell you, a migraine is more than just a headache. Anyone who's never had one wouldn't understand how awful one can be. According to Dr. Lawrence C. Newman, director of the Division of Headache at NYU Langone Health in NYC and chair of the American Migraine Foundation, "A migraine is a valid neurologic condition and can last anywhere from a few hours to three days." Dr. Newman suggests that because the migraine brain is so sensitive to change that sufferers should try to establish regular sleep cycles and avoid sleeping in on weekends. They should sleep the same number of hours each day. If you have a severe headache, it should be checked out by a physician as it may be a migraine or other serious condition.

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MIGRAINES ARE NOT 'JUST A HEADACHE'

 As any migraine sufferer can tell you, a migraine is more than just a headache. Anyone who's never had one wouldn't understand how awful one can be. According to Dr. Lawrence C. Newman, director of the Division of Headache at NYU Langone Health in NYC and chair of the American Migraine Foundation, "A migraine is a valid neurologic condition and can last anywhere from a few hours to three days." Dr. Newman suggests that because the migraine brain is so sensitive to change that sufferers should try to establish regular sleep cycles and avoid sleeping in on weekends. They should sleep the same number of hours each day. If you have a severe headache, it should be checked out by a physician as it may be a migraine or other serious condition.

IBUPROFEN OR ASPIRIN FOR A HEADACHE?

For a simple headache (this does not refer to migraines or serious headaches) ibuprofen is recommended over aspirin/acetaminophen. Ibuprofen is gentler and faster-acting. Acetaminophen is primarily good for reducing fever and may indirectly improve discomfort.

PEPPERMINT FOR MIGRAINE RELIEF?

If you suffer from migraine headaches, have you ever tried sniffing peppermint oil? According to a study in the International Journal of Preventative Medicine, the scent peppermint works as well as lidocaine, a pain medicine, in taming the intensity and frequency of migraine pain. It is suggested that at the very first feeling of a migraine coming on, take a slow, deep whiff of pure peppermint oil. Many notice an improvement within five minutes. Apparently, mint's menthol relaxes the spasming scalp muscles while improving healing blood flow. 

Having suffered many migraines over the years, I think this is definitely worth a try.

Vicks VapoRub

When I was growing up in Southern Indiana this was the recipe for whatever ailed you! We still use it in our house. It has helped me through many sinus headaches.