National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month in Independent Living for Seniors
June is an important month for spreading awareness and advocacy related to migraines in Independent Living for Seniors. It is the month to show our support to people with migraines and provide the resources to make their lives better. National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month is about giving support, understanding, and finding ways to address this neurobiological issue.
What is National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month?
Observed throughout June, the National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month was initiated by the National Headache Foundation in 1989. The following year, then-Governor James R. Thompson declared it Headache Week in Illinois.
Migraine currently affects about 42 million people in the United States. With a number as big as this, this yearly activity aims to bring people together to share their stories and help others understand better what the disease is about. It is also the month for healthcare workers on how they will be able to properly provide care to people with migraine, for families to gain more knowledge about the condition and how they can better support their loved ones in independent living for seniors, and for patients to provide accurate information towards patients desperate to effective treatment options.
Through this yearly event, patients and those in the medical community work hand in hand to reduce the stigma that comes with the condition and educate the public about the causes, symptoms, and better management of migraine. Through this, lives are improved for those living with the condition.
Migraine Symptoms and Treatments for Residents in Independent Living for Seniors
Migraine is one of the most common neurologic disorders, affecting more than a billion people worldwide. It is a disease that affects not only one’s relationships but also work or school activities and the economy.
People’s misconception about migraines is that they are just bad headaches. But it is more than that. A migraine can leave one non-functional, affecting work and daily activities, as the bad headache can last for days.
There are different symptoms of migraine, which vary depending on the stage: prodrome, aura, headache, and prodrome. Below are the migraine symptoms during each stage.
Prodrome Symptoms | Independent Living for Seniors
- Inability to focus
- Changes in mood
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Frequent Urination
- Increased hunger/thirst
Aura Symptoms
- Difficulty concentrating
- Muscle weakness
- Numbness
- Sensitivity to touch
Headache Symptoms
- Nausea and vomiting
- Light and sound sensitivity
Postdrome Symptoms
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Stiff Neck
- Vomiting
Management and Treatment in Independent Living for Seniors
Migraine cannot be treated, but the good news is the condition is manageable. Other than avoiding its triggers, the medications are available which are available in two: to stop the migraines and to prevent migraines.
Medications for migraine are available in different forms. Apart from the common oral medications, injections, IV or intravenous, nasal sprays, and suppositories are also available to manage the condition best.
Residents in independent living for seniors with migraine will be prescribed medication according to their symptoms, which can be a combination of medicines and formulations. But over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen, caffeine, and aspirin are also used to treat mild migraine symptoms.
Other than medication, alternatives are also available, such as yoga and acupuncture. Taking vitamins and minerals provides better migraine management as well.
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