My go to Migraine hacks

Migraines suck. There’s no nice way to say it. They are utterly debilitating, bringing vision impairment, uncontrollable vomiting, and terrifying visual auras. Medication can only do so much; it’s the lived experience, combined with the right regimen of migraine management, that helps you push through. From my personal experience, here are my go-to migraine hacks:

Blackout shades in your bedroom: Complete darkness is crucial for fending off an attack.

Ice CAPS: Yes, you read that right—ice packs are designed specifically for your head. You can find my favorite ones in my "Favorite Products" tab. Personally, I own five, so when one warms up, I have backups ready. Not all ice packs are created equal; I definitely recommend one that offers 360-degree coldness.

Tiger Balm: This stuff is nothing short of miraculous. I can’t explain the science behind it, but when my neck starts flaring and my occipital nerves feel like they’re being pulled and twisted all at once, I slather it on my shoulders, neck, and scalp. It’s amazing how it can pull me out of a migraine, even when I have no rescue medication on hand.

Pressure point device: There’s a little device that slides between your pointer and thumb fingers. I’m not sure about the science, but I can vouch for its effectiveness based on my own experience.

The classic ace bandage: This one’s an oldie but goodie. If your migraines respond to pressure, like mine do, I’ve found that tying an ace bandage (or even leggings if I’m in a pinch) as tightly as possible—strategically placing the knot over the worst point of pain, typically above one of my eyebrows or at my hairline—can provide significant relief.

Freeze pops/Ice chips: The act of consuming things that would give me brain freeze was not only a little relieving but helped to keep me hydrated once the vomiting started. 

AC/Fan:  Bundled in a blanket with just my head in front of the blasting AC.

Emergency Meds on deck: I NEVER leave the house without my rescue medicine ( mine is rizitriptan) and Zofran and Phenergan. THE MOMENT I feel it come on or get an aura, I am acting. Migraines act fast so you need to be prepared to act faster.

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