Migraines are painful and may keep you from your daily life. They can cause sensitivity to light and sound, and even moving can make you feel terrible. You may also feel tired, sick, irritable and have changes in your vision.
Migraines are different for everyone and can range in severity. Sometimes they start on one side of your head then shift to the other side. Other times you can feel pain in your eyes, temple, sinuses, jaw or neck.
Stages of Migraines
Migraine symptoms come in four stages. You might go through all the stages or just some of them. The cycle can last for a few hours up to four days. The stages are:
- Prodrome – begins up to 24 hours before you have a headache. You may notice a mood change, trouble sleeping or lack of concentration.
- Aura – some people have vision loss or impairment, feel a tingling sensation, have muscle weakness or are sensitive to touch. These symptoms can last five minutes or up to an hour. You could also have a headache during this time.
- Headache – starts gradually and then builds in strength. It lasts from four hours to four days. You can be more sensitive to light and have nausea during this stage.
- Postdrome – sometimes called migraine hangover that can last up to a day. You might feel tired, confused, nauseous and sensitive to light.
Who Gets Migraines?
Anyone can get migraines, including children. Women are three times more likely to have them. Other risk factors for migraines are:
- family history
- hormones
- medical conditions like depression, anxiety, sleep disorders and epilepsy
- tobacco use
Migraine Triggers
Talk to your provider for help identifying your triggers. Common triggers for migraines are:
- exposure to loud sounds, strong smells or bright lights
- hormones
- lack of sleep
- medication
- missing meals
- some foods including cheese, chocolate and processed foods
- stress
- tobacco use
- weather changes
- alcohol
Migraine Treatment
There isn't a cure for migraines, but you can manage your symptoms by taking medication and avoiding triggers. If you do get a migraine, you can try to:
- sleep in a dark, quiet place
- put an ice pack or cool cloth on your forehead
- drink lots of water
- take over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen, aspirin, acetaminophen or a migraine medicine
Migraine Prevention
If migraines keep you from normal activities or if you get them frequently, talk to your provider about preventive medications.
Other things you can do to prevent migraines are:
- exercise
- drink lots of water
- get plenty of sleep
- eat meals on a regular schedule
Resources for TRS-ActiveCare and TRS-Care Standard
Talk to Your Provider
If migraines are getting you down, talk to your provider. If you need help finding one, use Provider Finder® to search by location, gender and specialty. A Personal Health Guide can help you find an in-network provider 24/7. Call 1-866-355-5999 or chat through the BCBSTX App.
Use Your Health and Wellness Tools
If you need help getting on track with your sleep schedule or exercise, take advantage of the many health and wellness programs that come with your plan – at no extra cost.