A migraine can ruin you day... or possibly even your week.

Most people who start having migraines are afraid of four main things: brain tumor, stroke, heart attack and the possibility of passing the condition along to their children. Enlist the help of a migraine specialist to allay any fears.

Know the Signs

You can faintly detect a migraine is coming if you pay attention to the warning signs. Cognitive difficulty, yawning, blurred vision and irritability are common. You also may experience a taste of rust or blood. Many migraine sufferers smell non-existent cat urine, smoke or ammonia.

Migraines Away from Home

It’s easier to deal with a migraine at home. You have your comforts close, and you can control the environment.

Creating your own migraine emergency kit can help you manage your migraine away from home. Fill it with the items that help you deal with the migraine. You may include extra medication, a bottle of water, an eye mask, peppermint essential oil, a heating pad and ginger candy. Get a letter from your doctor that explains you are a migraine sufferer and deal best with certain medications. Present it in the emergency room so you don’t appear to be a drug seeker. Keep a kit in your car and at work.

Listen as migraine expert Lisa Jacobson joins Melanie Cole, MS, to explain how you can navigate and survive your migraines.