Science Care’s Team & Migraines

While most people have experienced the discomfort of a headache, migraines impact around 10% of people worldwide. A migraine is characterized by recurrent attacks of moderate to severe throbbing and pulsating pain on one side of the head. 

Chase Gibson, an Order Management Coordinator at Science Care, has experienced migraines since shortly after joining the United States Air Force in early 2019. His happen at a frequency of four to five each week, which can be a challenge.

“Living in Arizona, the sunshine and the heat can make my migraines worse,” Chase said. “I get them so frequently, it can make work and having a social life challenging.” 

Many people learn to predict when a migraine is beginning, and there are helpful steps to take to limit the progression.

For Chase, a dark room and a warm rag on his forehead helps relieve his pain. He’s also seen a doctor for migraine medication and uses a special screen on his work computer to help with the blue light. 

Here are some other ideas for supporting yourself during a migraine: 

• Limit Stimulants – Both light and sound can make migraine pain worse. Look for a quiet, dark space and consider taking a nap if possible. 
• Cool Off – Many people experience relief from cold therapy during a migraine. There are headache caps that keep your head cool or ice rollers that you can use on your face. 
• Caffeinate – Caffeine can relieve migraine pain at the onset and can even help increase the pain relief of acetaminophen and aspirin. 
• Hydrate – Sufficient hydration is important for overall health but can also help prevent or improve a migraine attack. 

Experts recommend migraine diaries for those that frequently experience this type of pain. Keep a log of when your migraine starts, what you were doing at the time, how long it lasted, what provides relief and any food or beverages consumed. This can help track potential triggers and provide valuable insight to your medical professionals on the best course of treatment.

“I love working at Science Care because so many people donate their bodies to Science Care to help others learn more about or even find cures for certain diseases,” Chase said. “That’s extremely admirable, and it makes me proud to know that I am helping them achieve that goal.”