Those who suffer from migraines can usually detect them before the onset of them. Nausea, headache, increased light sensitivity, and other symptoms can signal that a migraine is coming your way. However, what if you could help yourself prevent them altogether?
Identifying your migraine triggers can be an exhaustive, yet valuable process towards living with them. While you can start this journey on your own, consulting with your doctor is essential in identifying triggers and knowing how to deal with them.
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While your doctor should do a comprehensive overview of your health history and current issues, here are some tips to consider to prepare yourself for the appointment.
Keep a food diary
We all may know what we generally eat during the day, but keeping a physical copy and tracking our meals can be helpful in identifying triggers.
You may not be able to make a connection between a certain food and a migraine if you are not writing it down.
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Keep a food diary, either on paper or on your phone, and list out what you eat each day.
Record how you feel after each meal and after the end of the day. Did you notice that a migraine came on the next day after eating red meat? Make sure to mention this to your doctor as a possible trigger.
Note any Migraine triggers and track your symptoms
Similar to a food diary, be mindful of your surroundings and how they are affecting you. Factors like dehydration, strong scents, changing weather, or lighting can trigger migraines and leave you feeling miserable. Ask yourself - am I drinking enough water? Does my home or workplace feature any strong scents?
If you notice that not drinking enough water gives you a migraine, track that down and be intentional about drinking more water. If the seasons changing triggers a migraine, talk to your doctor about medications or other remedies they suggest for preventing or dealing with a migraine when it comes.
Having a list of these elements can help connect the dots and give you a clear picture of what may be causing your migraines.
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Be prepared with questions and concerns you want to present
While your doctor should be helpful in this journey, coming prepared to your appointment can help make the most of your visit.
Bringing in the food diary and list of suspected or known triggers gives your physician a better baseline and context to make recommendations.
Additionally, come with any questions or concerns in mind.
Are your migraines getting worse? Address that with your doctor.
Have you seen a more holistic alternative to treating migraines? Ask your doctor if this is a healthy alternative for you? Coming prepared empowers you as a patient and allows for a more efficient visit.
Migraines are inconvenient and painful. They interrupt life and make you miserable for hours or days. Identifying your triggers is the first step to mitigating the pain and leading a more predictable life. Working with your doctor can be key to finding these triggers so you can avoid them when possible.
