More on “More to Migraine”

I created this post as part of a campaign by Teva Pharmaceuticals. I received an American Express gift card for participating

A couple of months ago I introduced you all to the website More to Migraine and shared with you my story about realizing I was a migraine sufferer.  I went un-diagnosed for several years, until I found a doctor who put together my symptoms (neck pain, muscle spasms, nausea and then finally a headache) and realized migraines were the root cause.  Once we knew what it was, my doctor was able to treat it!

The thing about migraines is that it is an “invisible” affliction.  No one can see it, and most of the time you are just fine. . . until one hits.  You never know who else around you also suffers from migraines–but nearly 36 million Americans do.  For example, I only just found out that Jennifer Morrison, the actress who plays Emma Swan on the hit series “Once Upon a Time” suffers from migraines.

Note:  Jennifer Morrison is a paid spokesperson working with Teva Pharmaceuticals to raise awareness of the More To Migraine campaign.

There is a really nice video interview of Jennifer that tells the story of her migraines (here’s a spoiler–headaches are NOT her major symptom).  It can be found on the More to Migraine Facebook Page.

In the video she says that one of the difficult things about being an actress and suffering from migraines is that you can’t just call in sick–there is no one to replace you.  If “Emma Swan” is supposed to be in a scene, they can’t just throw a temp in there!  Then again–I guess that’s a problem with all our lives.  Migraines are inconvenient.  You don’t know when they will hit or what you will be trying to accomplish when they do.  Very few of us have the luxury of just stopping what we are doing to recover.

That’s why it’s so important to learn ways to cope with your migraines and talk to your doctor about the treatment that is right for you.

Here are some tips to help cope with migraines:

-Not sure what triggers your migraines?  Keeping a journal can help.  It doesn’t have to be fancy,  a small notebook, calendar or note keeping app on your phone will work.  Just track the date, time and anything that might be relevant that happened before the migraine started (foods, scents, weather changes,  menstrual cycle, etc)

-Know the common migraine triggers.  Changes in weather, lack of sleep, bright lights and stress call all cause migraines.

-Create a migraine “kit” for your car, desk or purse.  Of course include items for whatever treatment you and your doctor have decided on, but also include things to help cope with the symptoms.  For example if you suffer from light sensitivity, you may want to have sunglasses, for sound sensitivity you can carry small foam earplugs, and for nausea you may want a plastic bag/basin and a bottle of water to rinse out your mouth.  Find what works for you and make sure you have it ready!

-If you aren’t sure if you have migraines or not–talk with your doctor.  Remember, not everyone has a headache! Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound.  That list isn’t all inclusive either–Jennifer Morrison gets blurred vision, and I personally get soreness and muscle spasms in my shoulders/neck.

For more great information on migraines, tips on how to talk with your doctor about migraines, and even a printable migraine diary–check out the More to Migraine website!

What tips do you have for dealing with migraines?

****This is a sponsored post.  I have received compensation for my time.  All opinions are my own.****