Migraines in Armageddon

My husband and I are somewhat like “opposites attract” on steroids, except for the really important things like the gospel of Jesus Christ and family values.  Fortunately, we’re quite united there.  

He’s a vampire; I love being in the sun.  He’s quite fond of doctors and trusts them implicitly.  I… you know.  He’s type-1 diabetic; I’m fighting to avoid becoming type-2.  He gets nosebleeds all the time.  I had a tiny one when pregnant with #2 son.  And being pregnant doesn’t count.  Migraines run in his family.  (Oh, I forgot, they run in mine, too.)  But neither one of us has ever had one.  However, they are much stronger on his side, so the blame for them in our children lies there. 

Regardless of who’s to blame, they are quite debilitating and we should be prepared to deal with them and help our afflicted family members. 

Migraines are the most painful headaches generally encountered.  Usually one-sided, other symptoms include nausea and inability to tolerate light and/or noise.[1] [2]

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

The four stages of migraines include the following signs and symptoms:

• Prodrome, which begins a few hours to several days prior to the attack and includes:[3]
• Constipation[4]
• Food cravings[5]
• Frequent urination[6]
• Mood changes[7]
• Stiff neck[8]
• Sleepiness[9]
• Aura, which begins several hours prior to the attack and includes: [10] [11]
• Vision changes, blurriness[12]
• Blind spots[13]
• Difficulty concentrating[14]
• Light and sound sensitivity[15] [16]
• Tingling and numbness of the face and hands[17] [18]
• Attack[19]
• Severe, throbbing pain, usually above and behind the eye, and usually one-sided[20] [21]
• Extreme light, noise, and odor sensitivity[22] [23]
• Vision changes[24]
• Nausea and vomiting[25]
• Confusion and difficulty expressing thoughts[26]
• Like tension headaches, may be brought on by stress (exercise, anxiety, nervousness, lack of sleep, hunger, certain foods, alcohol, hormonal changes, birth control pills)[27] [28]
• May begin while sleeping[29] [30]
• Before headache begins, patient may have aura or warning feeling, may see black spots or flashing light[31] [32]
• Starts quickly, but not suddenly[33] [34]
• Usually on one side of forehead, but not always same side[35] [36] [37]
• Severe pain, usually throbbing[38] [39] [40]
• Nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity[41] [42] [43]
• May have family history[44] [45]
• Rarely have other nervous system complaints[46]
• Postdromal stage, headache is over.  Symptoms include:[47]
• Fatigue[48]
• Lethargy[49]
• Quick movement triggers return of headache[50]

 

Noteworthy is that the vital signs and nervous system exam are usually normal. [51]

TREATMENT

• Avoid movement, leaning forward, or any exertion, all of which worsen symptoms[52]
• Calm and reassure patient[53]
• Apply cool compresses to the forehead and neck[54]
• Pain relievers, doctors differ in their recommendations:
• Administer aspirin or acetaminophen[55]
• Administer aspirin and strong coffee or caffeine[56]
• Administer ibuprofen and/or acetaminophen[57]
• Melatonin, 3 mg[58]
• Lie down and sleep or rest in dark, quiet room[59] [60]

HERBAL TREATMENTS

• Catnip
• Essential oil massaged into forehead^[61]
• Feverfew
• 2-3 dried leaves, taken daily, or in capsule form
• German chamomile
• Infusion or salve^[62]
• Ginger^{[63] [64]}
• Juniper^{[65] [66]}
• Lavender 
• Essential oil 
• Aromatherapy^[67]
• Rub a few drops into the temples, forehead, and back of neck
• Lemon balm^[68]
• Mullein
• Stalk tea^[69]
• Onion^[70]

RISK FACTORS

• Female[71]
• Family history[72]
• Birth control pills[73]

PREVENTION

To reduce the risk of future migraines

• Avoid alcohol[74]
• Avoid birth control pills[75]
• Eat at regular mealtimes[76]
• Reduce stress[77]
• Maintain a headache journal to identify triggers[78]

Links to related posts:

Bad Headaches in Armageddon

Tension Headaches in TEOTWAWKI 

The Medicinal Uses of Lavender 

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[1] Cynthia Koelker, Armageddon Medicine, 2012, 358.

[2] David Werner, Where There Is No Doctor, 1992, 162.

[3] Joseph Alton, MD, et al., Survival Medicine Handbook, 2021, 188.

[4] Joseph Alton, MD, et al., Survival Medicine Handbook, 2021, 188.

[5] Joseph Alton, MD, et al., Survival Medicine Handbook, 2021, 188.

[6] Joseph Alton, MD, et al., Survival Medicine Handbook, 2021, 188.

[7] Joseph Alton, MD, et al., Survival Medicine Handbook, 2021, 188.

[8] Joseph Alton, MD, et al., Survival Medicine Handbook, 2021, 188.

[9] Joseph Alton, MD, et al., Survival Medicine Handbook, 2021, 188.

[10] Joseph Alton, MD, et al., Survival Medicine Handbook, 2021, 188.

[11] Cynthia Koelker, Armageddon Medicine, 2012, 358.

[12] Joseph Alton, MD, et al., Survival Medicine Handbook, 2021, 188.

[13] Joseph Alton, MD, et al., Survival Medicine Handbook, 2021, 188.

[14] Joseph Alton, MD, et al., Survival Medicine Handbook, 2021, 188.

[15] Joseph Alton, MD, et al., Survival Medicine Handbook, 2021, 188.

[16] Cynthia Koelker, Armageddon Medicine, 2012, 358.

[17] Joseph Alton, MD, et al., Survival Medicine Handbook, 2021, 188.

[18] David Werner, Where There Is No Doctor, 1992, 162.

[19] Joseph Alton, MD, et al., Survival Medicine Handbook, 2021, 188.

[20] Joseph Alton, MD, et al., Survival Medicine Handbook, 2021, 188.

[21] Cynthia Koelker, Armageddon Medicine, 2012, 358.

[22] Joseph Alton, MD, et al., Survival Medicine Handbook, 2021, 188.

[23] Cynthia Koelker, Armageddon Medicine, 2012, 358.

[24] Joseph Alton, MD, et al., Survival Medicine Handbook, 2021, 188.

[25] Joseph Alton, MD, et al., Survival Medicine Handbook, 2021, 188.

[26] Joseph Alton, MD, et al., Survival Medicine Handbook, 2021, 188.

[27] Robert D. Burgess, M.D., Community Health Aide/Practitioner Manual, 1987, 267.

[28] Joseph Alton, MD, et al., Survival Medicine Handbook, 2021, 188.

[29] Robert D. Burgess, M.D., Community Health Aide/Practitioner Manual, 1987, 267.

[30] Joseph Alton, MD, et al., Survival Medicine Handbook, 2021, 188.

[31] Robert D. Burgess, M.D., Community Health Aide/Practitioner Manual, 1987, 267.

[32] Joseph Alton, MD, et al., Survival Medicine Handbook, 2021, 188.

[33] Robert D. Burgess, M.D., Community Health Aide/Practitioner Manual, 1987, 267.

[34] Joseph Alton, MD, et al., Survival Medicine Handbook, 2021, 188.

[35] Robert D. Burgess, M.D., Community Health Aide/Practitioner Manual, 1987, 267.

[36] Joseph Alton, MD, et al., Survival Medicine Handbook, 2021, 188.

[37] David Werner, Where There Is No Doctor, 1992, 162.

[38] Robert D. Burgess, M.D., Community Health Aide/Practitioner Manual, 1987, 267.

[39] Joseph Alton, MD, et al., Survival Medicine Handbook, 2021, 188.

[40] David Werner, Where There Is No Doctor, 1992, 162.

[41] Robert D. Burgess, M.D., Community Health Aide/Practitioner Manual, 1987, 267.

[42] Joseph Alton, MD, et al., Survival Medicine Handbook, 2021, 188.

[43] David Werner, Where There Is No Doctor, 1992, 162.

[44] Robert D. Burgess, M.D., Community Health Aide/Practitioner Manual, 1987, 267.

[45] Joseph Alton, MD, et al., Survival Medicine Handbook, 2021, 188.

[46] Robert D. Burgess, M.D., Community Health Aide/Practitioner Manual, 1987, 267.

[47] Joseph Alton, MD, et al., Survival Medicine Handbook, 2021, 188.

[48] Joseph Alton, MD, et al., Survival Medicine Handbook, 2021, 188.

[49] Joseph Alton, MD, et al., Survival Medicine Handbook, 2021, 188.

[50] Joseph Alton, MD, et al., Survival Medicine Handbook, 2021, 188.

[51] Robert D. Burgess, M.D., Community Health Aide/Practitioner Manual, 1987, 269.

[52] Joseph Alton, MD, et al., Survival Medicine Handbook, 2021, 188.

[53] Robert D. Burgess, M.D., Community Health Aide/Practitioner Manual, 1987, 267.

[54] Joseph Alton, MD, et al., Survival Medicine Handbook, 2021, 188.

[55] Robert D. Burgess, M.D., Community Health Aide/Practitioner Manual, 1987, 267.

[56] David Werner, Where There Is No Doctor, 1992, 162.

[57] Joseph Alton, MD, et al., Survival Medicine Handbook, 2021, 188.

[58] Joseph Alton, MD, et al., Survival Medicine Handbook, 2021, 188.

[59] Robert D. Burgess, M.D., Community Health Aide/Practitioner Manual, 1987, 267.

[60] David Werner, Where There Is No Doctor, 1992, 162.

[61] Foster.

[62] Arman Zargaran, et al., Evaluation of the Effect of Topical Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) Oleogel as Pain Relief in Migraine without Aura:  A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study, Neurological Sciences, August 2018, Vol 39 No 8, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29808331/ (accessed 20 March 2023).

[63] Buhner, Herbal Antivirals, 2013, 173.

[64] Buhner, Herbal Antibiotics, 2012, 231.

[65] Raina, et al.

[66] Arif-Ullah Khan, et al., Natural Products Useful in Respiratory Disorders, Phytotherapy Research, September 2015, Vol 29 No 9, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26061992/ (accessed 20 March 2023).

[67] Payam Sasannejad, et al., Lavender Essential Oil in the Treatment of Migraine Headache:  A Placebo Controlled Clinical Trial, European Neurology, 2012, Vol 67 No 5, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22517298 (accessed 20 March 2023).

[68] Sedighi, et al.

[69] Kershaw.

[70] Narges Marefati, et al., A review of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects of Allium cepa and its main constituents, Pharmaceutical Biology, 2021, Vol 59 No 1, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13880209.2021.1874028 (accessed 7 February 2022).

[71] Joseph Alton, MD, et al., Survival Medicine Handbook, 2021, 188.

[72] Joseph Alton, MD, et al., Survival Medicine Handbook, 2021, 188.

[73] Robert D. Burgess, M.D., Community Health Aide/Practitioner Manual, 1987, 270.

[74] Robert D. Burgess, M.D., Community Health Aide/Practitioner Manual, 1987, 270.

[75] Robert D. Burgess, M.D., Community Health Aide/Practitioner Manual, 1987, 270.

[76] Robert D. Burgess, M.D., Community Health Aide/Practitioner Manual, 1987, 270.

[77] Robert D. Burgess, M.D., Community Health Aide/Practitioner Manual, 1987, 270.

[78] Robert D. Burgess, M.D., Community Health Aide/Practitioner Manual, 1987, 270.