By EKalman September 27, 2023 - 12:42am

If you have frequent migraines, search " headache specialist near me" to look for a deeper issue with the doctor's help. The next time you feel a migraine attack coming on and your brain is scrambling to think straight, remember to CHILL – this acronym makes it easier to remember tried-and-true strategies to stop an attack before it becomes a full-blown migraine attack. These are:
- Cold;
- Heat;
- Inhale;
- Liquids;
- Lights out.

These 5 migraine management methods will offer you the best chance of preventing that baby migraine episode from evolving into a roaring beast. If they still don’t help and your pain is unbearable, search for “migraine doctor near me” but at least you should try.

Order isn't as crucial as speed; the faster you move to disarm your controllable triggers and symptoms, the greater your chances of preventing a full-blown migraine attack.

How to Use the CHILL Method to Get Rid of a Migraine Fast
When you have a migraine, you aren't at your best. An attack begins with weariness, difficulties thinking, emotional tension, anxiety, and possibly a migraine aura. It's easy to worry and succumb to anxiety, especially if you don't have your abortion pills nearby.

Panicking will just exacerbate the situation. When you're stressed, your breathing becomes shallower, putting your neurological system into fight-or-flight mode and depriving your brain of the steadiness it requires.

When you notice one of those migraine attacks approaching, don't panic; instead, remember to CHILL.
C — Cold
Apply cold or ice packs to the back of your neck and head. If you're in a restaurant and start having headaches or migraine symptoms, any food service worker can get you a plastic bag with ice. If you're at work or out and about, look for a vending machine where a chilled can of Coke would suffice.

Apply the cold pack or can to the back of your neck and the bridge of your nose. This prevents your blood vessels from being inflamed and generating migraine symptoms.

A word of caution - applying ice or any other type of chemical cold pack directly to the skin, whether handmade or commercial, can cause frostbite in minutes. A cloth or towel should be placed between the ice pack and your skin. Consider wearing an ice bonnet or cap, which are easily available online.

H — Heat
Some people with migraines may find heat more beneficial. Which is more helpful may depend on the phase of the attack. For example, if they're experiencing neck pain, the heat may be beneficial, whereas during the headache phase, often cool temperature is better.

To keep the blood flowing, warm up your hands and feet. Find a restroom and rinse your hands with warm water until they are warm again.

Heat or cold are easy home remedies that can be administered with anything from gel packs to moist towels, or even frozen food. Depending on an individual's preference for shape, texture, and location, you can choose different ways of delivering cold/heat."

I — Inhale
Deeply inhale some fresh air. Try to avoid any unpleasant aromas or smoke by seeking out the coolest, freshest air you can find.

Slowly inhale for eight counts, hold for eight counts, and slowly exhale for eight counts. Rep up to ten times. This can assist your body in naturally relaxing.

L— Liquids
Consume at least 16 ounces of water or as much as you can. There's a strong likelihood you're dehydrated, which can cause migraines, and this one is readily managed. In fact, staying hydrated is one of the most effective methods to avoid migraine headaches.

If water is unavailable, Gatorade or Powerade are acceptable substitutes; however, soda, coffee, and tea are not. Because of the caffeine content, these drinks dry you even more.

L — Turn off the lights
If you don't have access to a dark place or shade, at least try to cover your eyes. Again, this shields you from light and visual disruptions, which can amplify the effects of your triggered triggers. Photophobia, or light sensitivity, is a common migraine symptom. Light truly hurts people who have photophobia, and it aggravates migraine symptoms. Consider purchasing a pair of migraine glasses for those occasions when you can't shut out the world.