How To Treat Migraine

As you know, Migraine is the most common cause of episodic headache in world. Many people around the world are suffering from migraine. Majority are at young age. Among them most of are women. The most irritating question in mind of any person having migraine is that ‘how to treat migraine?’ Let’s discuss about the treatment options for migraine headache.

Actually, still there is no proper cure for migraine headache. But there are plenty of treatment options to ease the symptoms. Majority of people are not following treatment guidelines properly. So it has become a major burden in many countries. It may take time to work out the best treatment for you. There are several treatment options for migraine. Western, Ayurvedic medicine, psychological treatment, acupuncture and nerve stimulation methods are high on the list. Avoiding migraine triggers is also a supportive treatment. It is better to have some idea about migraine treatments.

Medical Treatment

Medical management of migraine has a dominant place. Because most of people report that they got relief from medical treatments during acute attacks. Main aim is to treat symptoms and prevent future attacks. So it is successful as there is no cure for migraine. But remember, you must visit your doctor before taking those medications.

There are 2 categories of medication used to treat migraine.

1. Medications during acute attacks of migraine

During an acute attack people usually feel severe throbbing pain or pulsing sensation usually on one side of the head. As patients describe it is very severe pain. Usually associated with nausea and vomiting.

You should take these medications as soon as you developed signs and symptoms of migraine. Then it will have better outcome. Following are the medications used to treat acute migraine attacks.

Pain relievers – there are several over the counter medications you can take like Paracetamol, Panadine, Ibuprofen and Aspirin. But you should have medical advice when using these drugs long-term. Because they have some side effects. For example Ibuprofen and Aspirin cause gastric irritation.
Triptans – this group of drugs also helpful in treating migraine. They block pain pathways in brain. Sumatriptan and Rizatriptan are some examples. They are available as pills, injections or nasal sprays.
Dihydroergotamine is another medication used to treat acute symptoms. But you should seek medical advise before using them.
Lasmiditan, Ubrogepant and Opioids like tramadol are being used with medical prescriptions.
Anti-nausea medications – are useful in nausea and vomiting. Domperidone, Metoclopramide and chlorpromazine are some examples.

2. Medications to prevent future attacks

If you have frequent, severe headaches your doctor may prescribe some preventive medications. Then you have to take them for long term. Following are some examples;

– Beta blockers

Beta blockers are antihypertensive drugs. They help to reduce blood pressure. But they have some extra benefits by preventing migraine. If you have both hypertension and migraine this is the best option. Propranolol and Metoprolol are the commonly used medication.

– Amitriptyline

Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). Most of the doctors are using amitriptyline to treat migraine. Because it is a miraculous drug. It has many actions. Antidepressants, analgesic and sedative effects are more common.

– Flunarizine

Flunarizine is a calcium channel blocker. It also has blood pressure lowering action. Many doctors in world wide are using Flunarizine for migraine prevention due to its proven action.

– Botox Injections

Botox injection (botulinum toxin) also being practiced. You should take it every 12 weeks.

– CGRP Monoclonal Antibodies

These are newer medications to treat migraine. You can have them as injections. Many researchers say that it has some good effects.

Remember, you should ask your doctor about these medications. Because some medications are not good for pregnant women. Some are not good for people with long term illnesses. So use them carefully. Otherwise you may get more trouble.

Life Style Modifications to Treat Migraine

As we described earlier migraine has plenty of treatment options. Apart from above medical treatments you can practice some simple techniques at home.

Relaxation techniques are very important practice to prevent migraine attacks. Because stress is a common migraine trigger. Relaxation techniques help you to cope with stress. Many patients have reported that they had relief after heading to a quiet, darkened and relaxed room during attack. So relaxation is very important. There are many relaxation technique programs you can find. You can practice meditation and yoga to prevent migraine headache.

Drinking enough water can keep you hydrated. Because dehydration is a notorious trigger for migraine and other kinds of headaches.

Adequate sleep can keep migraine away. Don’t sleep too much or too little. Always sleep adequately.

Regular exercise also helpful in preventing migraine. It is also helpful for your fitness.

Avoid any migraine trigger. It is easy to maintain migraine diary. Note down all the migraine episodes you faced with time, place, situation and any reason you suspect. Then you can find out any triggers and can avoid them easily.

Other Alternative Medicine

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine. It involves the insertion of very thin needles through your skin. They try to stimulate sensory nerves in the skin and muscles. It causes pain relief. However there is no proper scientific explanation for acupuncture. But many people find it helpful for migraine pain relief.

Vitamin and Mineral Supplements

There are some studies about the benefits of vitamins and some minerals for the migraine. Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Magnesium, Coenzyme Q10 and fish oil are some frequently used supplements.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioural therapy is a psychological treatment option for migraine and other headaches. It helps you to learn new coping strategies to avoid migraine triggers like anxiety.

Osteopathic and Chiropractic Manipulations

These are two common techniques that help alleviate pain. Osteopathic manipulation refers to a system of hands-on techniques that help alleviate pain. Chiropractic manipulation involves the manual adjustment of the spine and joints to influence body’s nervous system to reduce pain. Several studies have reported that they are helpful in reliving migraine pain as well.

Hormone Treatment

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment option for menopause in women. Other than that some clinicians test it as an alternative treatment modality for migraine in women. It has some success rate. But for some women it may worse the symptoms. Some women do not show any result.

In summary, there is no cure for migraine. But there are plenty of treatment options to ease acute attacks and prevent future episodes. Always you should seek medical advice before starting any medication because they have their own side effects as well. Avoiding migraine triggers is more helpful than treatment of migraine.

How To Treat Migraine – Things You Should Know