Drug classes that can effectively relieve migraine pain include NSAIDs (like ibuprofen), triptans and dihydroergotamine-containing products like Migranal/Trudhesa. Antiemetics also help manage nausea as one of the symptoms associated with migraine.
Abortive treatments are most effective if administered early and in a larger single dose rather than repeated smaller dosages.
Acupuncture
Migraines can bring with them a range of symptoms, from pain and nausea to visual aura symptoms. Acupuncture has proven itself as an effective treatment option; traditional Chinese medicine uses thin needles inserted at specific points on the body for this traditional Chinese treatment to decrease both migraine frequency and intensity. Research indicates this effect of Acupuncture.
Acupuncture can be particularly effective at treating migraines with aura. Acupuncture helps relax muscles, ease stress and tension and decrease nausea, while cognitive behavioral therapy teaches patients to recognize and avoid triggers.
OTC medications like NSAIDs or acetaminophen can help relieve migraine headaches, while triptans and anti-nausea drugs may be prescribed as acute migraine treatments. Triptans block certain pain pathways in the brain; they are available as pills, injections or nasal sprays. Dihydroergotamine (Migranal, Trudhesa) narrows blood vessels in the brain to provide long-term relief of migraine attacks lasting more than 24 hours.
Botox® injections
Living with chronic migraines can have an enormously detrimental impact on all aspects of life, from work and relationships to recreation and relaxation. But the good news is that there are steps available to you for managing this condition.
Botox(r) injections can be an effective remedy for migraine headaches, serving to reduce wrinkles while temporarily paralyzing muscle activity.
Target the nerve end of muscle and block release of neurotransmitters; this will prevent pain signals from traveling from your brain to other parts of the body.
On average, at an appointment a specialist will administer multiple small injections using a fine needle in your forehead, temple area, neck and shoulders that target areas where headache pain originates. Many patients report minimal to no discomfort during this procedure.
Physical therapy
Many migraine sufferers find relief in regular physical therapy-guided exercise sessions. Exercise can significantly reduce both intensity and frequency of migraine pain, with poor posture or tension in neck and shoulder areas often being triggers for them.
Pharmacological prophylactic treatments can be a lifesaver for migraine sufferers, and there is a wide array of medications available for acute treatment and preventive prevention. Triptans are typically utilized for acute relief while oral medications like the CGRP monoclonal antibody erenumab, ditans such as lasmiditan and others have shown great promise in relieving migraine headaches and decreasing migraine days [1].
Keep a headache diary to record symptoms and gain more insight into what causes migraine headaches, as this will enable you to understand what is triggering them and also allow your doctor to adjust doses or change medications more appropriately. People experiencing chronic migraine headaches may find neuromodulation devices such as Cefaly or Nerivio helpful; these use pulsed electrical stimulation to change how nerves send signals to the brain.
Nutritional counseling
Migraine triggers vary between individuals, so dietary adjustments may help some manage their headaches more effectively. Hydration is key, but other diets might also provide relief; according to a 2020 review, low-glycemic diets, ketogenic diets, and elimination diets could potentially lower migraine frequency or severity; there’s even evidence suggesting increasing consumption of foods containing magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids and the B vitamins could provide some benefit.
Medication can be an effective treatment option for migraines, but they come with side effects. OTC pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen may help manage acute migraine pain; however, their overuse could result in medication overuse headache (MOH). Antiseizure drugs like topiramate and valproate could even prevent migraines in certain adults.
Migraines can be debilitating and interfere with daily activities. By managing triggers, leading a healthy lifestyle and seeking preventive migraine treatments, you can help enhance the quality of life.
