By Donna V. Scaglione
Are you one of the unfortunate ones — one of the millions of people who regularly experience the excruciating, debilitating pain of migraine headaches? Have you suffered through hours lying in a dark room, trying to remain still, hoping the pain soon would pass? You don’t have to be a victim of migraine’s misery. Here are six ways to take charge of your health so migraines don’t get control of your life.
1. Identify warning signs
While migraine headaches are common for many people, some headaches, particularly sudden pain with no obvious cause, may signal a more serious medical condition, such as stroke or aneurysm. MayoClinic.com recommends seeing your doctor immediately or going to a hospital emergency room if:
• You have a headache after a head injury, particularly if the pain is worsening
• Your headache is accompanied by a stiff neck, rash, seizure, double vision, weakness, difficulty speaking, fever, numbness, or mental confusion
• You’ve had chronic headache pain that worsens after sudden movement, exertion, coughing, or straining
• You have new headache pain and you’re older than 50
