Migraine pain can be unbearable, and its accompanying symptoms make life extremely challenging. Luckily, there are ways to manage and even prevent migraine attacks altogether.
In order to effectively treat migraines, combining medicines and lifestyle modifications may be most beneficial. Avoiding triggers is also key; keeping a headache journal may help identify these.
Neuromodulation devices
Neuromodulation devices are applied directly to your head in order to treat or prevent migraine attacks. Each one works differently but all change (or modulate) how your body processes pain signals from your brain.
These devices can range from portable and noninvasive devices to more invasive options, depending on your type of treatment needs. These treatments may also be combined with medication therapy; their reversibility makes them ideal for people looking for alternatives to long-term drug usage.
Some devices can be safely used during pregnancy, including the gammaCore device that targets your vagus nerve in your neck. Unfortunately, however, its use may not be suitable for people living with certain medical conditions like epilepsy or heart disease – Migraine Again’s requests to the company for third-party peer-reviewed data and studies on their device were left unanswered.
Over-the-counter pain relievers
Migraine affects each person differently, so no single treatment can work effectively for every case. Combining different tools may provide the best long-term strategy. Nonmedical options may also help relieve symptoms; many migraine patients find relief using cold packs or menthol rub, noise canceling earplugs to block out distracting sounds and drinking plenty of fluids are just some.
The Food and Drug Administration recently approved several new migraine prevention medicines, such as Aimovig(r), Fremanezumab-vfrm(r) (Ajovy), and Galcanezumab-gnlm (Emgality). Other prevention medications include Ciproflavin(r), Magnesium/Calcium supplements as well as anti-tinnitus and anti-seizure drugs such as Topiramate/Valproate for treatment purposes.
Neurologists specialize in treating headaches and can diagnose migraines based on your medical history and symptoms as well as physical examination and an MRI scan. A neurologist will prescribe medications to manage migraines and manage triggers such as almotriptan (Axert) or eletriptan (Relph); triptans such as almotriptan can be especially helpful, while anti-nausea medicines like ondansetron (Zofran) and prochlorperazine (Compazine) can both ease nausea while decreasing headache pain.
Avoiding triggers
Avoiding triggers is a key way for those living with migraine to prevent attacks, so the first step should be identifying yours. A migraine diary or smartphone app may be useful in tracking when and why symptoms appear; for instance, one woman living with migraine might notice her symptoms arise when skipping meals, feeling overwhelmed, or just prior to starting her period; she can then take measures to avoid these circumstances in future and thus stop an attack before it occurs.
Other lifestyle changes can also help decrease migraine attacks, including drinking plenty of water and limiting caffeine and chocolate intake; getting adequate rest; limiting alcohol consumption; avoiding bright lights (photophobia) and loud noises as well as bright light exposure (lack of sleep); regularly exercising; taking supplements like riboflavin, magnesium, feverfew and butterbur.
Sleeping well
Migraine symptoms can be compounded by sleep difficulties like insomnia and restless sleeping, so to successfully manage them it’s essential that a good night’s rest be achieved by limiting stimulants before bed, keeping a regular wake and bed time schedule, using supportive pillows without neck or shoulder pain issues and using restful mattresses.
Studies reveal the intricate relationship between migraine and sleep. Researchers believe melatonin and other chemicals linked to sleeping, like your circadian rhythm, and migraine attacks.
Studies show that migraine attacks become more likely when your body doesn’t receive sufficient rest, possibly as your brain needs time to readjust the delicate balance between sleeping and waking states.
Stress, diet, and exercise all play an integral part in how well we sleep; to get to the root cause it is best to keep a sleep diary and share it with your GP so they can assess and help pinpoint potential triggers of attacks.
