Patients suffering from migraine have unreasonable expectations regarding treatment; it should only aim to reduce disability rather than eliminate the illness entirely.
Aspirin and ibuprofen may provide temporary relief; however, taking them too frequently can cause medication-overuse headaches and ulcers.
Triptans, prescription drugs that block pain pathways in the brain, are effective acute treatments for migraines. Available as pills, injections or nasal sprays.
Diet
Many individuals with migraine can find relief through diet. Common migraine triggers may include alcohol, chocolate and aged cheeses as well as foods containing MSG, nitrates or tyramine; magnesium-rich foods like leafy green vegetables and avocados may provide some respite from migraine.
Reducing salt intake is important for everyone, but particularly beneficial in treating migraine headaches. The best way to identify food triggers is through keeping a headache diary; many who use one have found that avoiding certain items like chocolate may help – although excessive restriction could lead to nutritional deficiencies.
Studies have demonstrated that diets low in linoleic acid – found mainly in vegetable oils and processed meats – may help decrease migraine frequency, severity and duration. This research builds upon research which demonstrated omega-3 fats from sources like fish, seeds and nuts can soothe inflammation within the brain’s pain processing pathways and therefore decrease migraine frequency, severity and duration.
Exercise
Studies have revealed the benefits of physical exercise on migraine headaches and overall health. Exercise can both decrease their frequency and intensity as well as lessening prescription painkiller use and improving overall wellness. When beginning physical exercise to combat migraines it’s important to start slowly, gradually building your duration and intensity over time. It is also advised to consume healthy meals prior, during, and after your workout to provide enough energy. Furthermore, drinking plenty of water before, during, and after workout is vital as your body loses fluid through sweat. Isotonic drinks (containing both glucose and mineral salts) can help keep everything balanced within your system.
Avoid anything that could trigger migraines when exercising and closely monitor your progress so as to identify any potential migraine triggers early. Speak with a physical therapist if you need help finding an exercise routine tailored specifically to you.
Sleep
Researchers are exploring how migraine and sleep interact. Charles compares it to a vicious cycle: migraine attacks disrupt sleep, leading to more attacks later on; breaking this pattern may help prevent migraines and improve treatment effectiveness.
Consistency in both your bedtime and wake-up times is key for combatting headaches, so aim to establish regular bedtime and wake-up times to aid the process. Hide clocks from view in order to stop checking them throughout the night – doing this helps avoid checking them when awakened in the middle of the night! Additionally, avoid excessive daytime naps which could make falling asleep at night more challenging while decreasing overall quality of rest.
Ongoing treatments and preventive therapies exist for migraine. Beta blockers without intrinsic sympathomimetic activity such as atenolol, bisoprolol or pindolol may be prescribed; topiramate and candesartan may also help. Furthermore, FDA-approved monoclonal antibodies erenumab, fremanezumab and galcanezumab for migraine prevention have recently become self-administered injections or intravenous infusions respectively; several complementary therapies could possibly work such as petasites feverfew or magnesium supplements.
Stress Management
Stress management is an essential component for migraine sufferers. A study demonstrated that episodic migraine patients experienced lower levels of perceived stress than control subjects when controlling for depression and anxiety levels; in contrast, chronic migraineurs displayed greater levels of perceived stress than control subjects.
As part of a plan to reduce stress, it’s essential that daily routines stay stable. This can be accomplished by following a strict routine and limiting distractions. Furthermore, it may help if we identify and avoid potential sources of anxiety, while simultaneously learning to change or accept those circumstances that we simply can’t alter.
Start preventive therapy when migraine symptoms persist on more than two days per month despite optimal acute treatment according to the stepped care approach. A variety of non-pharmacological preventive therapies is available, such as biobehavioural therapy73 and acupuncture74 (although studies show real acupuncture may not be superior to sham acupuncture75). Melatonin, feverfew extracts and magnesium may also help as well as monoclonal antibodies erenumab, fremanezumab and galcanezumab77.
