MIGRAINE HEADACHES

❓ What is a Migraine?

A migraine is a strong headache that can cause throbbing or pulsing pain, usually on one side of the head. It can also cause other symptoms, like feeling sick to your stomach or being very sensitive to light or sound.

Migraine headaches can last for a few hours or even a few days.

🧪 What Causes Migraines?

Doctors are not sure exactly what causes migraines, but they believe it may be due to changes in the brain and blood vessels. Migraines often run in families, so they can be genetic.

Common triggers (things that cause a migraine) include:

• Stress
  
  

• Lack of sleep
  
  

• Skipping meals
  
  

• Certain foods or drinks (like aged cheese, chocolate, or red wine)
  
  

• Too much caffeine or suddenly stopping caffeine
  
  

• Bright lights or loud noises
  
  

• Hormone changes (like during a menstrual period)
  
  

⚠️ Migraine Symptoms

• Throbbing or pounding pain (usually on one side of the head)
  
  

• Nausea or vomiting
  
  

• Feeling very tired
  
  

• Sensitivity to light, sound, or smells
  
  

• Blurred vision or seeing flashing lights or zigzag lines (called an aura)
  
  

• Trouble thinking clearly or speaking
  
  

💊 Treatment for Migraines

There is no cure for migraines, but there are treatments that can help stop or prevent them.

For stopping a migraine:

• Pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen
  
  

• Migraine medications like triptans (sumatriptan, rizatriptan)
  
  

For preventing migraines:

• Medications such as:
  
  

  • Beta blockers
    
    

  • Anti-seizure medications
    
    

  • Antidepressants
    
    

• Botox injections (for frequent migraines)
  
  

• Lifestyle changes (see below)
  
  

🥗 Diet and Lifestyle Tips

There is no “migraine diet,” but some people find relief by avoiding certain foods that trigger migraines. You should:

• Avoid foods like aged cheese, chocolate, red wine, or processed meats
  
  

• Eat regular meals and don’t skip meals
  
  

• Drink plenty of water
  
  

• Limit caffeine
  
  

• Keep a headache diary to find and avoid triggers
  
  

• Get regular sleep
  
  

• Try to manage stress with quiet time, breathing, or gentle exercise
  
  

⚠️ Special Precautions

• Avoid known triggers
  
  

• Don’t drive or operate machines during a migraine
  
  

• Stay in a dark, quiet room to rest
  
  

• Take medicine early when you feel a migraine starting
  
  

☎️ When to Call Your Home Health Nurse or Doctor

Call your nurse or doctor if:

• Your migraines happen more often
  
  

• Your medicine doesn’t work anymore
  
  

• You have side effects from your medication
  
  

• You’re feeling sad or hopeless because of the pain
  
  

🚨 When to Call 911 or Go to the ER

Call 911 or go to the emergency room if:

• You have the worst headache of your life
  
  

• Your headache starts suddenly and severely
  
  

• You have a fever, stiff neck, confusion, or trouble speaking
  
  

• You have weakness or numbness on one side of the body
  
  

• You faint or have a seizure
  
  

© 2025 Judith Regan / K.N.O.W. – Knowledge for Nurturing Optimal Well-Being. All rights reserved. | Educational use only | Not a substitute for medical advice | In emergencies call 911

📘 Patient Homework / Assessment

Instructions: Write True or False for each statement. If the statement is False, correct it.

1. True or False: A migraine is a mild headache that usually doesn’t cause any other symptoms.
   
   

2. True or False: Migraines often cause throbbing or pounding pain.
   
   

3. True or False: A migraine can sometimes cause nausea and sensitivity to light.
   
   

4. True or False: Migraines always affect both sides of the head at the same time.
   
   

5. True or False: Triggers like stress, bright lights, and certain foods can cause migraines.
   
   

6. True or False: Migraines only last a few seconds and go away quickly.
   
   

7. True or False: Triptans are a type of medicine used to treat migraines.
   
   

8. True or False: A dark, quiet room may help you feel better during a migraine.
   
   

9. True or False: You should skip meals when you have a migraine.
   
   

10. True or False: A headache diary can help track what triggers your migraines.
    
    

11. True or False: It’s okay to drive while having a migraine as long as you feel okay.
    
    

12. True or False: Migraines can sometimes run in families.
    
    

13. True or False: It’s helpful to take migraine medicine at the first sign of pain.
    
    

14. True or False: You should go to the ER if you have the worst headache of your life.
    
    

15. True or False: There is a cure for migraines that can make them go away forever.
    
    

16. True or False: You should drink plenty of water to help avoid migraines.
    
    

17. True or False: Hormone changes can trigger migraines in some people.
    
    

18. True or False: Botox may be used in some people to prevent migraines.
    
    

19. True or False: If your medicine causes side effects, it’s okay to stop taking it without telling your doctor.
    
    

20. True or False: Migraines can cause trouble thinking clearly or speaking.
    
    

ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWORK

Symptom Identification:
“Do you have recurring headaches that may cause throbbing pain, nausea, sensitivity to light or sound, or vision changes?”

Activity Impact / Safety:
“Do migraines make it hard or unsafe for you to do daily activities like driving, working, or taking care of yourself?”

Treatment Adherence:
“Are you taking your prescribed migraine medicines or using other recommended treatments, like rest in a dark room, as your doctor told you?”

Preventive Measures:
“Are you avoiding known triggers, keeping a headache diary, and maintaining healthy sleep, stress, and diet habits to help prevent migraines?”

© 2025 Judith Regan / K.N.O.W. – Knowledge for Nurturing Optimal Well-Being. All rights reserved. | Educational use only | Not a substitute for medical advice | In emergencies call 911

✅ Answer Key with Reasoning

Instructions for Patient: Write True or False for each statement. If the statement is False, correct the sentence.

1. False – Migraines are strong headaches and can cause other symptoms like nausea, light sensitivity, and more.
   
   

2. True – Migraine pain often feels like throbbing or pounding.
   
   

3. True – Nausea, sensitivity to light and sound are common migraine symptoms.
   
   

4. False – Migraines usually affect one side of the head, not both sides.
   
   

5. True – Many things can trigger a migraine, such as stress, sleep changes, foods, or light.
   
   

6. False – Migraines can last from a few hours to several days, not just seconds.
   
   

7. True – Triptans are a common treatment for stopping migraines once they begin.
   
   

8. True – Lying down in a dark, quiet room helps many people during migraines.
   
   

9. False – Skipping meals can trigger migraines; it’s important to eat regularly.
   
   

10. True – A headache diary helps find patterns or triggers.
    
    

11. False – You should not drive if you’re having a migraine, even if you think you’re okay.
    
    

12. True – Migraines can be genetic and run in families.
    
    

13. True – Taking medicine at the first sign can help stop or shorten the migraine.
    
    

14. True – Go to the ER if you have a sudden, severe, or very unusual headache.
    
    

15. False – There is no cure for migraines, but treatments help manage them.
    
    

16. True – Staying hydrated can help prevent migraines.
    
    

17. True – Hormone changes, especially in women, can trigger migraines.
    
    

18. True – Botox injections may be used to help people who have frequent migraines.
    
    

19. False – Never stop taking your medicine without talking to your doctor first.
    
    

20. True – Some people have aura symptoms like trouble thinking or speaking during migraines.