Migraine relief treatment
Most migraineurs can deal with mild-to-moderate migraine attacks at home. Some of the measures mentioned below will help migraine relief. They are :
- Using a cold compress to the area of pain
- Resting with pillows comfortably supporting the head or neck
- Resting in a dark, quiet place
- Avoiding odours
- Withdrawing from stressful surroundings
- Drinking a moderate amount of caffeine
- Drug therapy
- Biofeedback training
- Elimination of certain foods from the diet
- Regular exercise, such as swimming or vigorous walking
- Avoiding known triggers
Some prescription and over-the-counter medications may help relieve migraine headache. They are :< br>
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Medications like aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve), and ketoprofen (Orudis), can sometimes cause stomach ulcers and bleeding. Therefore, anyone with a history of stomach bleeding should not take these medications. NSAIDs should not be taken over a long period of time and may interact with other medication.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Acetaminophen can be combined with NSAID's. Taking acetaminophen on its own is also safe and effective but when taken in large amounts; it can lead to liver and kidney damage. People with liver problems should avoid acetaminophen.
Combination medications: Some approved over-the-counter pain relievers can provide relief during a migraine. Despite all the advances in the medical field, migraines are not cent percent treatable.
Migraines can be treated with abortive and preventive approaches.
Abortive: This therapy, using prescription medications, helps prevent a migraine attack during its prodrome stage or even aids in stopping it once it starts and can be taken as needed. Some medications are administered as a self-injection into the thigh while others as a wafer that melts on the tongue. These forms of medication are quick acting and are not rendered ineffective by vomitting.
Abortive treatment medications include:
- Triptans (target serotonin) - Similar in their action and chemical structure, the triptans can only treat headaches and do not relieve pain from back problems, arthritis, menstruation, or other conditions. Some of the triptans include :
- Sumatriptan (Imitrex)
- Zolmitriptan (Zomig)
- Eletriptan (Relpax)
- Naratriptan (Amerge, Naramig)
- Rizatriptan (Maxalt)
- Frovatriptan (Frova)
- Almotriptan (Axert)
The following drugs also specifically affect serotonin, as well as other brain chemicals. Infrequently, one of these drugs works when a triptan does not. They are :
- Ergotamine tartrate (Cafergot)
- Dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45 Injection, Migranal Nasal Spray)
- Acetaminophen-isometheptene-dichloralphenazone (Midrin)
Some of the drugs used primarily for nausea have an abortive or preventive effect on headaches. They are:
- Prochlorperazine (Compazine)
- Promethazine (Phenergan)
Habit forming and weak members of the narcotic class, the below mentioned drugs are not specific for migraines, but may sometimes help relieve pain. These drugs should only be used as a "backup". They are:
- Butalbital compound (Fioricet, Fiorinal)
- Acetaminophen and codeine (Tylenol with Codeine)
- Preventive: This type of treatment is generally considered for migraineurs who have more than 1 migraine per week, lessening the frequency and severity of the migraine attacks. Preventive medication can be taken on a daily basis. Preventive medications include:
- High blood pressure medications like Beta-blockers (propranolol [Inderal]) and calcium channel blockers (verapamil [Covera])
- Antidepressants like Amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor)
- Antiseizure medications like Gabapentin (Neurontin), valproic acid (Depakote) and topiramate (Topamax)
- Antihistamines and anti-allergy drugs like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and cyproheptadine (Periactin)
People with migraines should see their doctor regularly; maintain a "pain journal"; and maintain a record of the drugs used during treatment. Several doctor visits may be required before an effective treatment plan is chalked out.
Alternative or complementary therapies have largely benefitted some migraineurs. They are chiropractic, acupuncture, osteopathic manipulation, and herbal remedies, though none of these treatments is supported by reliable scientific evidence.
Migraine symptoms are different for different people. The following 5 phases have generally been noted:
- Prodrome: Many symptoms like changes in mood (happiness, irritability, sadness) or sensation (funny tastes or smells) can precede a migraine headache. Many people experience fatigue and muscle tension before a migraine headache.
- Visual or auditory disturbances (auras): Some people develop scotomas (blind spots), see geometric patterns, experience hemianopsia (vision on only one side), or, less commonly, have auditory (hearing) hallucinations.
- Headache: Although a migraine headache generally occurs on one side of the head, 30-40% of migraineurs have them on both sides. A throbbing pain may occur and almost 80% of migraineurs experience nausea and vomitting. About 70% of the people become photophobic and phonophobic for the time the migraine pain is experienced.
- Headache termination: Even if left untreated, the pain generally goes away with sleep.
- Postdrome: Migraineurs may not feel well for some time after the migraine has stopped. They may not even be able to eat right away or may even have problems with thinking and tiredness.