It’s not a girl’s name.  It is a forewarning signal that an impending headache is coming and in fact, it is not new to me because almost every month, I am having this aura thing.  I can see spots, wavy and flashing lights when my eyes are closed about 30 minutes before the headache starts.  I dread the feeling of having pulsating and throbbing pain on the left side of my head, then moderate headache ensues that usually get worse with physical activity.  As soon as I had this feeling of nausea, I already on guard for vomiting episodes sometimes accompanied by disturbing stomach pains.   There is also  increased sensitivity to light and noise and that’s the clear signal for me to lock myself in a dark and quiet bedroom.  Everybody are aware that I should not be disturb during those times for I will sleep all my aches away.  However, it is of no help because the moment I wake up, it is still there.  Usually, my migraine lasts 12 to 24 hours.   That’s my calvary!  Oh my!

I have done research about its prevention and what I’ve learned are the following worth sharing:

• There are foods like consuming chocolate, monosodium glutamate (MSG), red wine and caffeine can trigger the attack.  It also includes stress, change in daily routine and hormonal thing.     Hmmm.  I don’t use MSG, or drink red wine but I love chocolate and coffee.
• Not enough or getting too much sleep.   I may say not enough sleep doesn’t have any affect at all but getting too much sleep does.  I have noticed that if I get out of bed way beyond my waking hours, I feel sluggish and feeling nauseous.
• Fasting or skipping meals.   Nope, I don’t skip meals.  Fasting ??? Yes, Fast eating!!!!.
• Stress or intense emotions.   Might be….
• Strong odors or cigarette smoke.   Our house is a No Smoking area and nobody smokes.  Strong odors?  We do take a bath regularly….lol
• Bright lights or reflected sunlight.  Probably true…

Oh my!  I dread days of having migraine!

But even how cautious I am and how hard I tried to avoid those triggering factors,  I still continue to experience this migraine thing.   I have never consulted a neurologist about this but one day I will!

Just early this morning, aura was in sight…

Not a good day!