Do you suffer from migraines? If not, chances are you know someone who does. According to the Migraine Research Foundation 36 million people in the United States alone suffer from migraines. That includes women, men and children.
Statistically women suffer the most from migraines compared to men. Approximately 10% of school aged children suffer from migraines, even children as young as 18 months old.
A migraine is much more than just a really bad headache. It’s an extremely debilitating neurological disease. They can become so painful that a person can literally be unable to function. Aside from horrific pain a migraine can cause dizziness, nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, numbness and other problems. Most migraine attacks can last from as little as 4 hours to upwards of 72 hours.
I have a friend who started to get migraines in college. She would often miss days at a time because of her migraines. It caused her to have to struggle to keep up with the course work and tests because she missed so much time in the classroom.
Personally I don’t suffer from migraines. I occasionally get severe headaches that my neurologist affectionately referred to as “jabs and stabs” because it felt like someone was shoving an ice pick into the same location on the back of my head. Thankfully I rarely experience them anymore.
My husband suffers from migraines. I have seen first hand how painful and miserable they can be. When he has a migraine he usually has to sleep it off. I have seen him sleep many hours (a deep sleep too). It’s as if he’s comatose or something. It’s the weirdest thing.
He usually feels the pain around his left eye. I have seen him applying pressure to that area with his thumb in hopes of alleviating some of the pain and pressure (but it never works).
We have made several visits to the neurologist. He has tried a few different medications from pills to a nasal spray. Nothing seems to help.
One day I was out shopping and I came across Excedrin Migraine. I figured it wouldn’t hurt so I picked up a bottle for my husband. He started to take them on the onset of his migraines and amazingly the Excedrin Migraine helped. It did more to help him with his migraines then $$$ prescription medications.
At last! We found something that worked with his migraines. He kept a bottle at work, at home and in the car. He made sure to take it with him where ever he went. The first sign of the onset of a migraine he would take the Excedrin Migraine. It would either prevent the migraine from happening or make it less painful and not last as long.
When Excedrin Migraine was taken off the store shelves several months ago he cried – literally – he had tears in his eyes! Talking with others who also suffer from migraine they too were upset that Excedrin Migraine was taken off the shelves.
I am thrilled to report that Excedrin Migraine has already begun shipping to stores across the country and should be on a store shelf near you now, or in the very near future. So far I haven’t found it locally but I am keeping an eye out for it. I plan on buying several bottles for my husband for Christmas. 🙂 I think that would be the best gift I could give him.
There is no cure for migraines, but you can learn to control them by knowing what triggers your migraines. That would seem easy enough to do, but actually, it can be difficult.
I was at an event recently in NYC for the launch of a new application for your smart phone or tablet that helps you to keep track of your migraines and possible triggers.
There might not be just one trigger for a migraine. It could be a combination of things. It’s almost like putting together a recipe. If you add a little bit of this and a little bit of that, plus a pinch of something else it might result in a migraine.
A trigger can come in any forms, from stress to environmental changes (weather) and from something you eat to something that you smell. For my husband, sometimes his migraines can be triggered by a scented candle. It doesn’t always happen either. There must be some other thing that triggers the migraine ALONG WITH the scented candle. Sometimes he’s fine with a scented candle, other times he’s not.
The new application is from the makers of Excedrin and is called My Migraine Triggers. My Migraine Triggers helps migraine sufferers keep track of their migraines and possible triggers, in hopes of narrowing down your specific triggers so you know what to avoid.
At the event I had the opportunity to chat with Dr. Keri Peterson. She is an internist who spoke at the event. She not only helps to treat people with migraines but she also suffers from them herself.
Dr. Peterson was telling us that sometimes red wine triggers a migraine, but not all the time. One of the bloggers who was there suggested that maybe a specific type of food she eats when having the red wine triggers a migraine. For example, red wine is fine but if she eats shrimp with the red wine it will combine to form some kind of trigger, but maybe red wine and chicken is fine and causes no reaction.
Dr. Peterson also uses the My Migraine Triggers application. She’s using it to track her own migraines and triggers in hopes she can pin point what kinds of triggers bother her the most.
American Idol winner, singer and actress Jordin Sparks was also on hand at the event. Her mother suffers from very debilitation migraines. I didn’t know that they can be inherited. Jordin inherited migraines from her mother but thankfully they are not as bad as her mothers (but they are still painful and bothersome). Jordin also uses the My Migraine Triggers application. She has it on her cell phone so it’s always available to her at the onset of a migraine.
By the way, Jordin is a lovely girl. Not only did she sing for everyone while at the event, she also took the time to meet with us (me and the other bloggers I attended the event with) and take a picture with us.
My husband has been using the My Migraine Triggers application for a few weeks now. So far he has a few possible triggers.
The great thing about this application is that it charts your responses and you can even e-mail the data to your neurologist.
The application also allows you to add your own possible triggers, making it totally customizable to you and your migraine triggers.
The Excedrin My Migrain Triggers application is FREE and you can find it on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/my-migraine-triggers/id560516772) or you can do a search in Apple apps for it.
For more information about migraines visit MigraineResource.com. You can also check out Excedrin’s Facebook page and follow Excedrin on Twitter (@Excedrin).
Do YOU suffer from migraines? Are you aware of what your triggers are? If not I would recommend you downloading the free application and seeing if it helps you to discover what your migraine triggers are.
To help you get some relief with your migraine triggers I have a special giveaway for TWO lucky readers. Each winner will recieve the following prize package;
- Sleep Mask
- Noise Cancelling Ear Buds
- Herbal Compress
- Branded Stress Balls
- Branded Water Bottle
This giveaway is open to US residents only and will end on December 8, 2012 at 12:01 AM (EST). The winners will be chosen at random using a random number generator from all eligible entries. The winners will be notified via e-mail and will have three days to reply or a new winner will be chosen.
To enter please leave a comment on this post and tell me about your migraines. Do you know what triggers them? Have you ever tried to track your triggers? Feel free to tell me about your migraine experience and what you are doing to help prevent them from happening?
For extra entries you can use the Rafflecopter widget (below) but you MUST complete the initial entry requirement or the additional entries won’t qualify.
Kimberly
*I am a paid Excedrin ® Migraine blog ambassador. Along with compensation, the Excedrin Migraine® Relief kit and travel to attend the Jordin Sparks media event was provided by Novartis Consumer Health, Inc., the makers of Excedrin® Migraine.
Shana D says
I have been suffering from migraines for what seems like ages. I didn’t get them diagnosed until after my first child but suffered even as a child from what I thought was frequent headaches. One of my biggest triggers is lack of sleep which is kind of comical since I have three young kids and I work so sleep is a luxury I am not always afforded. I have tried all types of prescription meds and nothing worked.
Monica says
i remember the day i got my first migraine around 10 years ago. something you never forget. over the years i have learned to avoid artificial sweeteners like equal or sweet n low. that seriously helps. i still get them here and there since stopping the artificial sweeteners so there is something else triggering them. i LOVE excedrin migraine. i too cried when it was off the shelves. i will be downloading the app.. thanks for your post on this!
stephanie elliot says
I take topomax daily for migraines but still get them every now and then including a horrible one on thxgiving. I also once spent my whole evening at a U2 concert in the bathroom vomiting from a migraine once. They are debilitating. My 11 yo son is now getting them. I could share many stories. I loved reading this post, and am going to get the app. I know some of my triggers but it will be nice to keep track of my migraines.
Claire says
I don’t get them, but my sister does often.
debbie jackson says
Triggered by stress and I usually take a break and some tablets
debbie says
I get occular migraines, which are a little different. But, they are still triggered by stress for me.
D Schmidt says
I think hormone changes trigger them but as yet I have no idea how to prevent them.
BusyWorkingMama says
My husband and sister in law both think drinking red wine triggers their migraines.
Jessica To says
I think stress and lack of sleep trigger them.
Jackie says
My daughter gets them…usually about four days after she gets her period. Only thing that helps is to lay in a dark room with her eyes closed.
Amy Orvin says
Well, I was diagnosed with a pituatary brain tumor in 1992. Ever since then I have been getting them pretty bad. I wear glasses to read and take tylenol to prevent them.
Amy Orvin says
RSS-Google Reader as Amy Orvin / 2dogs5catscrew@att.net
Email subscriber as 2dogs5catscrew@att.net
Debra Hall says
i don’t get them but my son does
TawndaM says
lack of sleep, mainly… otherwise, it’s just stress
Christine says
I suffered from frequent migraines, complete with nausea, for nearly 15 years. Around 2-4 times a month. Tried everything, thought nothing would help.
Thanks for the chance!
Raine says
I just started getting them this past year, my mom suffers from them frequently. I cannot find any triggers other than just before my period but thats so irregular I can’t time them well.They usually start above one of my eyes and get progressively worse for about 24hrs. Some are unbearable-nothing helps but I pray for sleep because if I can doze off they ease slowly each ‘nap’. All I do is try and lay in the dark and don’t move, some of them have made me vomit and throwing up with a migrane is the most pain I’ve experienced only surpassed by the birth of my 2 kids. I am going totry Excedrin Migrane-we have it and I actually have a coupon for a bottle. I hope it helps-great post! (and exciting giveaway)
steve weber says
I maybe get them once a month..
r. paris says
I get really bad headaches although i am not sure they are considered migranes. i do use over the counter pain reliever to curb the pain.
Yona says
Stress is a migraine trigger
Carolyn G says
Stress and when Aut Flo visits
clarissa says
i never have really been able to trace mine they are real random
Chriss says
Stress and hormones are my triggers
Daily Woman says
I have had migraines for about 8 years. I have different triggers and can not pin point them all the time. It can be perfumes or bright lights. Mine usually aren’t so bad I have to go to bed (even though I couldn’t anyway) they do last for days, I have had one for over 4 days before.
Nancy says
I have had a couple of migraine-like headaches.
lyn says
I get food triggered headaches. I’m not 100% sure they’re migraines, but they’re excruciating. I’m pretty much incapacitated for 2-3 days. I did a little research, started keeping track (I want the app, didn’t see if avail for Droid) and tried to eliminate what I reacted to. One thing seemed to work is for me to take aspirin BEFORE I ate as a precautionary action. This would help if I found myself having to eat while I’m out and didn’t always know what is/isn’t a food trigger. Aspirin w/a little non-fat Lactaid milk seems to keep the worst of it at bay. Also,for some reason eating seems to abate the pain. Haven’t figured that one out yet. When I get a bad one, sleep/rest appears to be the only way to ‘ride it out’, cause goodness I’m worthless when I get these.
Monique Rizzo says
smells trigger my headache. A dark room is the only thing that helps.
Thanks for the chance.
mogrill12@gmail.com
Ann Fantom says
I have had migraines since I was a kid. Not sure of all the triggers, but red wine is definitely one of them.
Mer says
I get migraines semi regularly. I know they’re more likely certain times of the month, but haven’t figured out other triggers. So I think I’m going to try the app.
Katherine says
I don’t get them often but have never been able to figure out the triggers my son was worse and we worked really hard to figure out his triggers finally had to put him on daily meds
Vicki Wurgler says
my husband gets migraines and for him it is stress
Jammie says
lack of sleep on top of stress triggers mine, I usually have to lay down to get it to go away.
Racheal S says
I don’t know exactly what triggers my migraines but they are becoming more frequent. Skipping meals does seem to be one factor that contributes to migraines. I try to keep them under control with excedrin or ibuprofen.
Carly says
I don’t suffer from migraines, but a family member of mine does. Flashing lights tend to trigger them.
Meagan says
My best friend used to suffer from debilitating migraines. Over time she grew healthier, she was also suffering from an eating disorder which may have contributed to the headaches.
Stephanie Larison says
I was so happy to find these back on the shelves last week. They are the ONLY thing that helps my migraines. I’ve been having them since I was pretty young, around 10ish. My parents took me from doctor to doctor, they’d all tell me something different that triggers them, from food to allergies, to that I might even have a brain tumor. They have lessened as I’ve gotten older, but I still have on average at least two a month. Thank God this stuff is being made again!
Louis says
lack of sleep, stress, noise …. 🙁
Thank you for hosting this giveaway
Louis
pumuckler {at} gmail {dot} com
Diane @ Me, Him And The Cats says
Ugh I still haven’t found all my triggers. I know lack of caffine is a trigger and so is stress. My mom has lots of triggers – wine, lots of foods, scents etc.
beth shepherd says
I usually have hormonal migraines.
Patti Hess says
I guess stress causing my migraines and kids fighting bring it on the most~! I take tylenol and an ice pack and lay down
pattifritz2000 at yahoo dot com
thank you
Jean F says
My daughter suffers, and it’s loud noises that trigger hers.
Liz Terek says
SO glad Excedrin is back. I panicked when it when away, It is the only thing that helps. My migraines are the worst during ‘that time’ of the month & when I am stressed.
trinity babichuk says
i just started getting them. i haven’t found out my triggers yet though.
Toni Marie Caravello Feimer says
I usually get one during my period so a trigger might be hormonal for me.
Kristy Thiel says
Anxiety definitely triggers mine. Thanks for hosting!
Tamar says
It’s usually lack of sleep or stress.
Brandy says
I get cluster headaches and migraines but doctors have not figured out why yet 🙁
Ani says
Lack of sleep and hormonal changes trigger them for me.
Missy says
My mom, sister and I all suffer from migraines. I have found that stress and certain foods such as dairy and chocolate contribute to my migraines
Denise S says
I can’t figure mine out. They happen anytime. I usually wake up with it and it lasts all day.
Cori Westphal says
I don’t get migraines very often, but when I do, a nice, hot bath usually helps!
coriwestphal at msn dot com
Michelle Holicky says
I suffer from awful migraines. My triggers are stress, over stimulation of the senses(strong odors, flickering bright lights, chaotic noisy atmospheres), milk products, the day before my period and lack of sleep and caffeine. At the start of one I must take ibuprofen or I will be incapacitated. I make sure my body is never depleted of caffeine and sleep. I am very aware of my triggers and avoid them.
Gianna says
Kids crying and screaming at each other, driving at night, bright lights, etc.
Karen says
They’re infrequent, so I don’t know the triggers. Thanks for the giveaway.
Les Johnson says
I get them whenever I get really stressed. I have headaches most days from staring at a computer screen all day, but migraines when stress is added.
Alison Wood says
I’ve had a constant migraine for 6 months straight now, with no relief. Not even an hour’s worth. We haven’t found a trigger yet.
brenda says
i have various triggers from lack of caffeine, stress, sleeping. i usually can’t get rid of it once it hits
harolde says
I think stresses triggers mine, I have to sleep to get rid of them.
Kayla says
Mine are triggered by stress! I still haven’t figured out what to do about them.
Danielle D says
When I don’t sleep or I am stressed I get the a lot!
Cassandra McCann says
light is it is too bright
Melanie Montgomery says
I get the twice a week!
Kerrie Mayans says
Mine are hormonal and only occur at certain times of the month. I take medicine and hide in my bed when they occur.
Sherry Conrad says
I get them randomly, have my whole life.
Jennifer R says
I do get stress induced migraines occasionally.
Carolyn Daley says
My migraines are usually triggered from stress, allergies, or lack of sleep. I currently alternate between Advil and Excedrin.
Tiffany Hearn says
I have Migraine with aura and although I don’t know how to prevent them Excedrin Migraine is the only medicine that gets rid of the pain.
Heather! says
I do suffer from migraines, but I don’t know what triggers them. I have them monthly, more or less, and I tend to take something for them and lie down. They often last two or three days. Ugh.
h4schaffer at gmail dot com
susan smoaks says
i get migraines when i have too much sugar and when i need caffeine!
Brandy Leigh Farmer says
Stress causes my migraines. I get rid of my migraines by sleeping or going to a dark room.
Jeff says
stress is azlways getting to me.
Brad Merrell says
I get stressed whenever people say I’m wrong when there is no way I could be. Then I get migraines. I have nothing to prevent them.
Nicole Lancaster says
Lack of sleep and stressful events trigger my migraines. I usually take a lot of migraine formula Aspirin and lay down in a cool dark room to make them go away. I only get them twice year.
Jay Daugherty says
Stress and dehydration cause them. I need relaxation and no noises to get over them.
Brenda Elsner says
I got my first migraine 12 years ago while pregnant with my son. I was at work at the time. I usually can get by taking over the counter pain relief, and some sleep. I am unsure what triggers them, as I am doing different things each time they occur. I think stress is one of the main causes though.
Samantha Meyer says
I never know what triggers them, but when they come on – it is super fast
Charlene says
I wish I knew what triggered them, but I’ve been using Excedrin Migraine for years & that works wonders 🙂
heather c says
I think my migraines are hormonal. I get them once a month and only Excedrin Migraine would help. So glad to see it back.
kathy pease says
I never use to have headaches very bad until I got Lyme disease last year now I can get some major aches that even affect my vision with seeing flashing lights and spots it can be pretty annoying and my ears ring constantly
Peggy Rydzewski says
Cheese sets mind going
Michelle Tucker says
I think when I start feeling overwhelmed the migraines start coming on.
Veronica Garrett says
I don’t get migraines but I do get some really bad headaches. I usually take a pill and relax.
Padma Miller says
It has been 2 years migraine free. I cut out caffeine and sulfates.
JessS says
I have some idea about triggers. It usually involves lack of sleep, drinking too much, or being very sick. Often times when family stress is too much they come out of nowhere.
Bryan E. says
Thanks for the giveaway… I get migraines infrequently, usually OTC analgesics & crawling into bed in a dark room are the only cure for me; occasionally I need to get an Rx if they happen more frequently.
Christian Alejandro N. says
Stress and outdoors.. the sun really makes it worse so I try to stay indoors in quiet areas.