I have decided to write about headaches and migraines as one piece, but I can assure you that they are completely different beasts. The biggest difference between a headache and a migraine is that a migraine tends to have other symptoms alongside it such as nausea, being sick and light/noise sensitivity. Migraines also tend to last longer than a headache sometimes going on for a number of days.

Headache pain can be anywhere from the sides, back, front and top of your head. It can be due to many different factors including too much sleep, not enough sleep, stress, dehydration, tension, weather and as a spoonie for no logical reason at all and just because your chronic illness decides to. There are also many types of headaches including tension, cluster, neck, sinus, TMJ and of course migraine.

My own experience

Headaches alongside fatigue and dizziness are one of my top bugbears when it comes to chronic illness. At this moment in time I am going through a cycle of waking up with a pain in my head which sometimes leaves once I am out of bed or evolves into a headache. Today was a headache no doubt about it, (so apologies in advance for any errors I may make in this post), which is still coming and going as I type. I am not sure the reason for this daily ritual at this stage, but normally my headaches are a result of excessive fatigue or stress and sometimes dehydration. I have mentioned before I need to drink more water, but my stomach problems do not always make it that easy. I believe I have a form of TMJ meaning I tighten my jaw when I sleep which is made worse by my Tourettes – as one of my tics is a facial grimace whereby I stiffen my face and yep my jaw.

My top tips for headaches/migraines – as always please check with your doctor/specialist before trying any new tips or ideas.

• Rest – If you are in a position to do so then stop everything you are doing and go and sit or lie somewhere quiet away from any external goings on.

• Block out noises/light – If your headache/migraine is made worse by external factors then draw your curtains to block out any light disturbances, if at home put on a eye mask and if out and about always carry sunglasses even when it is not sunny.

• Use a compress – For the pain you may find a hot or cold compress helpful. You can buy many over the counter options from your pharmacy which can help with either numbing the pain and/or relaxing any tense muscles.

• Lavender oil – If you are an allergy sufferer like me then avoid this tip but if not lavender oil could be used to help you relax and provide stress relief. It may be worth visiting an aromatherapist who can advise you on different treatments specific to headaches/migraines.

• Alternative Therapy – If visiting an aromatherapist is not practical due to allergies then you may find other alternative therapy beneficial. Therapies such as acupuncture and gentle massage may assist in helping you relax overall without being too intrusive.

• Stay away from the technology – Put down your phone, get off the laptop and tablet and avoid any tech. This is because the artificial light will not help your eyes neither will the fact it takes concentration to focus on a screen.

• Stay hydrated – Drink water to stay hydrated it’s that simple. Note to self to do this more!

• Try a mouth guard – If your headaches are in the morning it may be because you are grinding your teeth or for fellow tourette warriors a result of ticking in your sleep. Visit your dentist to find out which, they can tell you if you are grinding and look to make you a mouth guard to help.

• Stress management techniques – If stress is a big factor in your life it may be time to try and get on top of it. For more on stress management you can read my previous blog posts here on how to manage stress at home and here for modern day stress and how to manage it.

• Speak to your doctor/specialist – For medication advice you need to speak to your health professional who can advise you on specific medication regarding your situation and condition. Don’t suffer in silence, keep a diary if needs be and show your doctor the pattern of behaviour if indeed there is one.

Next week’s symptom – Period Pain