Often when someone says, 'I have a severe headache', people around advise me to drink a cup of strong tea, apply balm or take some common painkiller and then return to work. But only those who have experienced real migraine can understand that this is not a minor headache that can be cured with a cup of tea. Migraine is actually a complex and serious neurological disorder, which shakes the patient's brain, nerves and entire body. One part of the head feels as if someone is continuously hammering from inside (Throbbing Pain). When this pain reaches its peak, even a slight ray of light pricks the eyes, the ticking sound of the clock is felt as if it is tearing the eardrums and due to severe nausea and vomiting, it becomes impossible to even get up from the bed. This situation completely takes a person's personal, family and professional life hostage.
The most profound and dangerous effect of migraine is on a person's daily functioning and career. From corporate offices to schools and colleges, the problem of people suffering from migraine is often taken as an 'excuse', due to which there is double burden of mental stress on the patient.
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Sudden drop of productivity to zero: When a migraine attack occurs, the person's ability to concentrate, take decisions and look at the screen is completely lost. This is called 'Presenteeism' in the medical world—that is, the employee is present in the office, but is unable to do any work due to pain.
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Holidays and career interruptions: Chronic migraine patients have to spend 8 to 10 days in a month when they are not in a position to go to office. Repeatedly taking sick leave results in hindered promotions, missed client deadlines, and sometimes even puts you at risk of losing your job.
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'Brain fog' and effect on memory: Even after the attack ends, the patient's brain does not become completely normal for 24 to 48 hours. This phase is called 'migraine hangover' or postdrome, in which the person continues to feel extremely lethargic, confused, tired and forgetful of things.
Migraine not only prevents work, but it also disconnects the person from his loved ones and society. Be it a wedding in the family, an outing with the kids, or a weekend party with friends—a migraine attack ruins all the plans in an instant.
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Fear of light and sound (photophobia and phonophobia): Loud music, laughter, noise of children or tube light in the room make the pain of migraine unbearable. The result is that the patient has to leave everything and lock himself in a cold, completely dark and quiet room.
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Emotional Distance and Guilt: When a person repeatedly cancels scheduled events with his partner, children or friends, the other person feels that he is not interested. At the same time, the patient starts feeling guilty that he is not able to give time to his family. In the long run, this condition takes the form of irritability, anxiety and severe depression.
If you want to keep your daily life safe, the first thing you need to do is recognize the triggers that spark this pain:
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Irregular sleep cycles: Sleeping less than required (4-5 hours) or sleeping excessively (more than 10 hours) both destabilize the nerves of the brain.
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Starvation and dehydration: Skipping lunch at work or not drinking enough water causes blood sugar to drop, which is the biggest trigger of migraine.
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Continuous Screen Time: Staring at the blue screen of a computer, laptop or phone for hours without taking a break increases the pressure on the nerves of the eyes.
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Diet Triggers: Excessive caffeine (tea-coffee), MSG present in packaged foods (Ajinomoto), aged cheese, artificial sweeteners and alcohol can trigger migraine immediately.
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Changes in weather and smell: Sudden exposure to strong sunlight, humidity, extreme heat from AC, or smell of very strong perfume, incense sticks and smoke can also trigger an attack.
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Hormonal changes: In women, the drop in estrogen levels just before periods causes menstrual migraine.
Instead of letting migraine completely dominate your daily routine, make these scientific and lifestyle-based measures your habit immediately:
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Create a Migraine Diary: Note in a small diary when the pain started, what you ate that day, how you slept and what the weather was like. In two-three weeks you will know exactly your personal triggers and will be able to avoid them.
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Strict rule of sleep and food: Sleep at the same time every night and wake up at the same time in the morning. Eat food on time and keep your body hydrated by drinking a glass of water every hour.
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The 20-20-20 Rule and Blue-Cut Glasses: While working in the office, every 20 minutes, look away from the screen for 20 seconds and look at an object 20 feet away. Use anti-glare or blue-light blocking glasses when working on a computer.
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Immediate measures during attack: As soon as you feel slight heaviness in the head or aura (flashing lights or dark spots before the eyes), immediately place a cold water compress or ice pack on the forehead and back of the neck. Inhale the light scent of lavender or peppermint oil and immediately lie down quietly for 10-15 minutes. Taking the medicine recommended by the doctor at the initial sign of an attack prevents the pain from becoming severe.
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Stress Management and Yoga: Practice Anulom-Vilom, Bhramari Pranayam and Shavasana daily. It calms over-sensitive nerves of the brain by activating the parasympathetic nervous system.
Migraine is a challenging condition, but it doesn't have to be the end of your dreams, career and happiness. Do not make the mistake of suppressing the pain by taking painkillers yourself because taking too many painkillers causes 'Medication Overuse Headache' (MOH) which worsens the disease. Consult a good neurologist, take your preventive medicines regularly and adopt a disciplined lifestyle. When you learn to understand the signals of your body and mind, migraine will not be able to control your daily life, but you will be able to live your life as per your wish.