Cedric Cruz, Staff Writer
Featured image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Tis the season for exams and essays, and for some, headaches.
But sometimes it is not just a headache, but the recurring migraine that pounds away on your head while you try to study and get your assignments done. The migraine is one of the most common illnesses known in the medical field.
According to the Migraine Research Foundation, it is ranked as one of the world’s top 20 most disabling medical illnesses and millions of people are thought to experience it on any given day. A migraine can be caused by many different factors, such as a change in hormones in the body, lack of sleep, stress levels, and even changes in the weather.
The symptoms of a migraine are known to be nausea, vomiting, and increased sensitivity to light, sound, and smell. However, since these symptoms are quite common for a variety of medical conditions, a migraine can often go unnoticed and untreated.
There are three categories of treatments available for migraines. First category includes the symptomatic treatments, which generally involve taking pills once the migraine has already begun. The second category is for people who suffer from more frequent migraines and consists of preventative treatments, involving regular use of prescription drugs to help prevent migraines from happening in the first place. In the third category are alternative treatments such as behavioural therapy, which can involve diet and sleep regulation, as well as acupuncture or massages. As always, it is important to consult a physician before beginning any kind of treatment.
As for the common headache, there’s going to be plenty of those going around campus in the next few weeks. It helps to avoid eating meals irregularly or suddenly changing your sleep pattern. In general, it is best to avoid any sudden changes to your lifestyle during high stress time, unless that involves drinking less and avoiding hangovers. It is also important to take regular breaks while studying to avoid eyestrain, and to sit with a proper posture.
