Migraines are chronic and there is no known cure, however treatments can reduce the number of migraine days experienced. You should identify and avoid your migraine triggers.
An attack may require over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and triptans for relief. Other potential treatments could include monoclonal antibodies such as erenumab, fremanezumab and galcanezumab as well as botulinum toxin (onabotulinumtoxinA). All are given by injection.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient Eastern medicine therapy involving placing sterile needles at specific points on the body. Studies have shown its efficacy for many forms of pain relief, including migraine headaches, lower back pain, shingles or nerve pain, fibromyalgia and menstrual cramps. Acupuncture works by altering the flow of energy – or “qi,” through 12 channels called meridians which run lengthwise throughout our bodies. When choosing an acupuncturist it’s very important that an experienced professional is selected; minor side effects could include pain at needle insertion sites as well as skin infections at needle insertion sites.
Migraine prevention medications aim to decrease both the frequency and severity of migraine attacks. Though they don’t prevent all headaches, they do reduce both their frequency and severity; over-the-counter and prescription pain relievers such as aspirin or ibuprofen; caffeine, aspirin, and acetaminophen (Excedrin Migraine); as well as newer oral CGRP monoclonal antibodies/receptor blockers like lasmiditan (Reyvow). Additionally some individuals may benefit from neuromodulation devices.
Biofeedback
While many migraine sufferers rely on preventive medication, it’s also important to know there are nondrug treatments available – biofeedback and relaxation techniques can be particularly helpful for preventing headaches; they can also reduce severity during an attack.
Studies have shown that thermal biofeedback (which monitors automatic body functions like breathing and heart rate) and neurofeedback (which monitors brainwave activity with EEG or brain wave monitoring) can significantly decrease both frequency and severity of migraines. One study demonstrated that using both forms together resulted in superior outcomes than medication alone, with 70% experiencing at least 50% reductions in migraine frequency from this combination therapy approach.
As with other relaxation therapies, this method requires the expertise and equipment of a health professional – which may be costly. These treatments tend to be most cost effective when combined with medications as part of an overall treatment strategy; however they may also be used alone if desired.
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Migraine cannot be cured, but treatments may reduce headache days and severity. Speak to your healthcare provider about which preventive treatment might best fit you.
Avoid your triggers can help as well. Keep a headache diary and work with your healthcare provider to identify the triggers of migraine attacks, such as getting regular sleep, eating on time and staying hydrated. Some may also benefit from taking supplements like riboflavin (vitamin B2), magnesium, feverfew or butterbur.
Primary care doctors can diagnose migraines and prescribe pain-relieving medication, or refer you to a neurologist specializing in headache treatments. A neurologist will analyze your symptoms, medical history and perform physical exams in order to rule out other possible causes for your headaches; blood tests or imaging tests, like CT scanning or magnetic resonance imaging may be ordered in order to pinpoint exactly where they originate.
Meditation and yoga
Migraine treatment typically focuses on relieving pain when it arises; however, behavioral therapies like biofeedback and relaxation techniques may help prevent migraines altogether. When combined with preventive medication, these approaches have proven particularly successful.
Stress can be a leading cause of migraines, so incorporating stress-reducing strategies like meditation and yoga into your life could be effective at decreasing migraine frequency. Studies have demonstrated how practiced can lower both blood pressure and heart rate rates thus decreasing migraine incidences.
People suffering from migraine should avoid yoga classes that include heat or are too intense. Instead, classes focused on breathing and meditation or restorative yoga – which involves relaxing poses supported by blankets, mats, blocks and ropes – can be especially helpful in relieving chronic neck tension that often triggers migraine attacks. When starting any new yoga program it is also wise to consult your healthcare provider or doctor first as some conditions such as glaucoma or high/low blood pressure require special consideration before embarking on it.
