by Author Name Withheld 230

Created on: July 02, 2008   Last Updated: March 21, 2009

Migraine headaches can strike at any time.

They have usually been around since about the teen years, and the pain is incredibly intense and debilitating.

To live with migraines is to at times feel abnormal incomplete in some way.

I have been living with migraines since the age of 16.

For me stress seems to be the link that mainly will trigger a migraine, although there are many others,

Ex: sleep disturbances, fasting, hormones, bright or flickering lights, odors, cigarette smoke, alcohol, aged cheeses, chocolate, mono-sodium glutamate, nitrites, aspartame, and caffeine.

For some women, the decline in the blood level of estrogen during the start of menstruation is a trigger for migraine headaches.

The key to try and decrease the onset of one of these doosies is to obviously try and pin point a trigger substance or situation, but that isn't always so easy.

Migraines will warn you that their on the way.

Some, (not all) Migraines arrive with something called and "aura" were you see flickering lights, Perceive dazzling zigzag lines in your field of vision, Feel tingling, pins and needles sensations in one arm or leg.

Experience slowly spreading blind spots in your vision, or experience weakness and language or speech problems.

There are a few medications out there that can help decrease and in some even stop migraine episodes, which for some can last from hours to days. This should obviously be discussed with your health care provider to find a treatment that suits your needs.

Personally I was very young when diagnosed and my Doctor at the time did not feel comfortable placing me on the medications then available, he feared the risks or side affects were too great.

He instead made some suggestions that have helped me to this day.

*getting plenty of sleep

*getting regular exercise *

avoiding as many stress related situations as possible. (this cannot always be done)

*never skipping meals

And of course through the years I have incorporated my own techniques, such as meditation, yoga, and avoidance of direct sunlight which is also a trigger for me.

It's not easy to live with migraines, at times it can keep you from many activities you would love to be a part of.

But as with all things you learn to work around it, live with it, and find what works best for you.

I found a magical little thing called "Chinese Tiger Balm" at a herbal store one day it comes in little tins about dime size and quarter size (which makes it easy to carry with you).

It is used in chinesse medicine for aches and

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