Migraine or Hangover: How Do You Know?

hangover (Photo credit: xooorx)

As well as the dreaded alcohol induced hangover, it is possible to have a migraine hangover or postdrome, that is affected by a migraine.

It should be obvious if you tie one on (drink heavily) the night before and wake up in the morning with light and sound sensitivity, dizziness, nausea, and a headache, you are probably suffering from a hangover and not a migraine.



But what if you haven't been drinking at all and you find yourself suffering in a similar fashion to the alcohol induced hangover? You may be suffering from migraine hangover or an actual migraine.

Wikipedia describes a migraine as;

The typical migraine headache is unilateral (affecting one half of the head) and pulsating in nature and lasting from two to 72 hours; symptoms include nausea, vomiting, photophobia (increased sensitivity to light) and phonophobia (increased sensitivity to sound); the symptoms are generally aggravated by routine activity. Approximately one-third of people who suffer from migraine headaches perceive an aura—transient visual, sensory, language, or motor disturbances signaling the migraine will soon occur.

A migraine hangover is typically The effects of a migraine that may persist for a day or more after the main headache has ended. Many postdrome sufferers report feeling sore in the area where the migraine headache had been. Some also have impaired thinking, head pain, cognitive difficulties, gastrointestinal symptoms, mood changes, and weakness for a few days after the headache has passed.


So, what do you do to overcome the hangover? In many ways you may do the same thing as any other hangover. Read my previous article, Do You Have A Migraine Hangover?, for ways to overcome your hangover.

 

I Blame My iPad

To say that I have not published in a while would be a gross understatement. I haven't published since November and really had to push myself to jump back on the horse, so to speak. I've been thinking about my blogging the whole five months.

I could blame the holidays and a slow start. I could blame laziness. I could blame the increase in migraines I have experiencing or the depression it causes. But I'm not going to do that. I am going to blame my iPad.
I bought my iPad at the beginning of November. I used the excuse that the price was right and they would be harder to find for Christmas because of the demand. My wife went for it. And, that's the criteria that really was the most important.

I love it!

I read more. I know what the weather will be. I'm up to date with the sports news and every day goings on. I have my bible right there. I read more. I've really been devouring the best sellers list. These tasks and apps that are available allow me to do so much more. But there is a negative. The lack of a tactile keyboard is really bothering me. It's hard enough logging into web sites and entering passwords when you can feel the keys. Especially when you type as poorly as I do. I can type. Don't get me wrong. I know how to type. But, my speed and accuracy leave a lot to be desired. The iPad has been in the way of blogging.

I am recommitting myself to publishing my blog on a regular basis. I intend to see how the Bluetooth keyboard available for the tablet, allows me to do this. But if it doesn't, I plan to spend more time with my iMac. It's missed me terribly.

So, come back. Stay with me. Give me input on my posts. And, if you feel so inclined ;) tell others about it.
I appreciate you.

 

Migraine And Keeping Your Sanity

Migraine makes keeping your sanity feel almost impossible.  We work so hard to keep our sanity and migraine works just as hard to keep us from it. Here are some ways that might help in keeping your sanity while dealing with migraine. This list is not all inclusive. They are just the beginning in 'keeping sanity' despite your invisible illness. See "Migraine And Living Life", and "Migraine And Work" for other ideas you may use in your struggle.

• Find a treatment plan that works for you and stick with it. Even if this plan does not keep you migraine free, finding a way to decrease or lessen them is a must. Work hard to find some kind of relief, if only for a short while. This is important for you and your life, your job, and your sanity. Finding one can be tough, but don't give up.

• Exercise daily:  The advantages of exercise are  undeniable but many of us continue to ignore this.  Remember that exercise strengthens our bodies and our minds and helps improve our endurance.  This translates into everything we do, whether it is the work environment, or the activities of daily living.  It also helps us feel in control and healthy, and reduces stress.  

• Schedule time for yourself:  Even if it is only for 30 minutes, schedule some renewal time for yourself. Everyday bathroom time does not count. Take a nap, meditate, read. Do something that you feel is relaxing and enjoyable to you. You might find that when you take a few minutes for yourself, it feels that you have more time for other things.

• Be grateful:  The world is a wonderful place and we have been given many gifts.  I feel that every day I wake up is another gift and that everything that follows throughout the day becomes a bonus.

• Try finding hobbies or other jobs that can be worked on in small segments and are easier to pick up and lay down.

• Find activities that you can stick with. Activities become habits. Habits become your character. Your character becomes your destiny. Become a slave to good habits. Doing the right things right develops strength of character that leads to success.

• Cultivate relationships with family and friends. Make it a planned habit to communicate with them face to face, through the phone, email, texting, and attending church activities. I find that using Facebook is also a good way to keep up with the lives of friends and family.

• Don’t take yourself too seriously:  I will leave you with this last idea; Infuse humor in your life and do not to take yourself too seriously.  Lose your ego and liberate yourself. Life is for growing and learning. Try to enjoy all the little moments of your day and stay happy.