How is a migraine treated?
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American Academy of Ophthalmology answered:Treatment usually first involves avoiding factors known to cause a migraine attack, such as foods, environmental triggers such as perfume and medications such as birth control pills.
Over-the-counter, anti-inflammatory medications (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.) may reduce the
severity of an acute attack. Drugs that constrict the blood vessels, including caffeine and ergotamines, are sometimes used.
Also, certain prescription medications that deal directly with the presumed chemical imbalances of migraine are available (including Imitrex®, Amerge®, Maxalt® and Zomig®).
If migraine attacks are severe or frequent enough, medication may be required on a regular basis to prevent migraine. The four most commonly used medication groups are tricyclics, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers and some anti-seizure medications.
Your ophthalmologist (Eye M.D.) may refer you to a neurologist or another specialist for further tests and evaluation.
Treatment usually first involves avoiding factors known to cause a migraine attack, such as foods, environmental triggers such as perfume and medications such as birth control pills. Over-the-counter, anti-inflammatory medications (such as aspirin,... More -
Dr. Irene Semenov of NorthShore University HealthSystem answered:Migraine treatment consists of life style changes, preventative and acute medications.
The most important task is to identify the potential migraine triggers, which include certain foods, alcohol, physical exercise, hunger, weather changes, excess caffeine, fluorescent lights. The elimination of these triggers may eliminate the headaches. If the triggers are not identified then the headaches need to be treated with medications.
There are two type of medications used to treat migraines: acute, which are used to stop the migraine attack as it starts developing, and preventative, which serve to reduce the number of headaches. The latter ones are only needed when the headaches occur frequently. For acute treatment both over the counter and prescription medications can be used, while preventative medications are only by prescription.
Relaxation methods and stress management are also very important in the treatment of migraine headaches.
Migraine treatment consists of life style changes, preventative and acute medications. The most important task is to identify the potential migraine triggers, which include certain foods, alcohol, physical exercise, hunger, weather changes,... More -
Preventive (Prophylactic): Preventative medication may be prescribed for patients who have frequent migraine attacks (three or more a month), those who do not respond consistently to acute treatment, and when specific medicines are contraindicated because of other medical conditions (such as stroke or bleeding in the brain). Studies have reported that as many as 40% of these patients may benefit from preventative treatment. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved four prescription drugs for migraine prevention. These include the beta-blockers propranolol (Inderal®) and timolol (Blocadren®), and the anticonvulsants topiramate (Topamax®) and divalproex sodium (Depakote®).
Acute (Immediate) Over-the-counter (OTC) treatments: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved three over-the-counter (OTC) products to treat migraine attacks. Excedrin® Migraine (a combination of aspirin, acetaminophen, and caffeine) is indicated for migraine and its associated symptoms such as head pain. Advil® Migraine and Motrin® Migraine Pain (both are ibuprofen) have anti-inflammatory action and are approved to treat migraine headache and its pain.
Triptans: The triptans attach to serotonin receptors on the blood vessels and nerves and thereby reduce inflammation and constrict (narrow) the blood vessels. A reduction in inflammation decreases pressure on nerves in the trigeminal nerve system (nerves in the cranium or head), which decreases the pain signals to the brain and stops the headache. Traditionally, triptans, which are prescription medicines, were prescribed for moderate or severe migraines after over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics such as ibuprofen (Advil®) and other simple measures failed. Newer studies suggest that triptans can be used as the first treatment for patients with migraines that are causing disability. Significant disability is defined as more than ten days of at least 50% disability during a three month period.
In patients with severe nausea, a combination of a triptan and an anti-nausea medication, such as prochlorperazine (Compazine®), may be used.
You should read product labels, and discuss all therapies with a qualified healthcare provider. Natural Standard information does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Preventive (Prophylactic): Preventative medication may be prescribed for patients who have frequent migraine attacks (three or more a month), those who do not respond consistently to acute treatment, and when specific medicines are... More -
Riverside Center for Neurosciences answered:There are two ways to approach the treatment of a migraine headache with drugs: prevent the attacks, or relieve the symptoms during the attacks. Many people use both approaches by taking medications originally developed for epilepsy and depression to prevent future migraine attacks, and treating attacks, when they happen, with drugs called triptans that relieve pain and restore function. Hormone therapy may help some women whose migraines seem to be linked to their menstrual cycle. Stress management strategies, such as exercise, relaxation, biofeedback, and other therapies designed to limit discomfort, may also reduce the occurrence and severity of migraine attacks.
This answer is based on source information from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
There are two ways to approach the treatment of a migraine headache with drugs: prevent the attacks, or relieve the symptoms during the attacks. Many people use both approaches by taking medications originally developed for epilepsy and depression... More
