A practical list of things that I do when I have a crash ...or if I start to "feel something coming on"
- Lie down with feet above heart and head
- Cool-down the room temperature; open windows, turn-on fans or use the AC
- Hydrate, consume cold food & drinks (water, fruit, sugar-free popsicles); a light snack might help
- Cool head and neck if needed: use a cooling hoodie (keep in kitchen drawer) or cooling head ice pack (keep band in drawer + packs in fridge)
- Check for signs of stroke or heart attack, just in case. (Call 911 if signs are there)
- Put on compression clothing (if not already wearing)
- Reduce sensory stimuli (turn off music, close blinds, turn the lights down, close sliding doors if it's noisy)
- If outside, get to shade quickly and sit or lay down
- Give yourself a scalp massage to promote lymphatic drainage
- Take a nap
- Consider using a cooling pillow mat (keep in fridge)
- Consider taking CBD
Alternately consider moving your body around to promote circulation, if you feel you have the energy to do so.
Questions to ask
- Do you feel foggy?
- Do you feel pressure in your head?
- Do you feel better after laying down?
- Does water help?
- When did you eat last? Have a light snack.
- Should you take a nap?
Things to check & write down
- Heart rate
- Blood pressure
- Blood oxygen level
- Check hands, face and legs for discoloration
- Journal/Write down date and time when it started (and the end time, if possible)
Additional proactive tips
- Wear loose, well ventilated clothes
- Avoid memory foam pillows and plush pillow cases because they can increase temperature (use satin or cooling pillow cases instead)
- Consider taking a lukewarm shower (but be careful if standing is difficult)
- Look into the same techniques that people have published for migraines and read about other techniques for inflammation management