Migraine

Migraine Pain

Migraine Headache Treatment

Migraine is a painful, intense and throbbing headache that no living person would want to experience. Migraines usually occur about one to four times a month. In most cases of migraine, the pain affects only one side of the head. Migraines aren’t contagious, which means you can’t catch them from someone who has them. The exact causes of migraines are unknown. People with migraines may inherit the tendency to be affected by certain migraine triggers, such as fatigue, bright lights, weather changes, and others. There are several types of migraines such as Classic migraine, Common migraine, Ophthalmoplegic Migraine, abdominal Migraine, Menstrual Migraine, Chronic Migraine, Basilar Artery, Migraine, Retinal Migraine and Familial Hemiplegic Migraine. The two most prevalent types of migraines are:

  • Classic migraine with aura
  • Common migraine without aura

An “Aura” is the premonition that a headache is coming. It is the warning that a migraine is about to begin. Migraines with auras occur in about 20% to 30% of migraine sufferers. An aura can occur one hour before the attack of pain and last from 15 minutes to one hour. Visual auras include temporary vision loss, blind spots or jagged lines. Other auras may include ringing in the ears), or changes in smell taste, or touch.

There are many treatments available to treat or even prevent some migraines. Some of them are:

  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and analgesics reduce pain and inflammation and may help relieve mild migraines
  • Antinausea drugs to relieve the nausea that often accompanies migraines
  • Sedatives, which can help you to go to sleep and get rid of the headache.
  • Abortive medicines help prevent the symptoms of migraines, including pain, nausea, light-sensitivity, etc.
  • Acupuncture & Acupressure – Acupuncture and acupressure are the most effective therapies for pain management. This gives almost immediate relief and results are very impressive.
  • Bio feedback helps people learn to recognize stressful situations that trigger migraines.
  • Applying a hot or cold compress to the head or neck can reduce the severity of pain during a migraine headache.
  • Massage to the pain joints on your head and neck alleviate migraine pain behind the eye and in the neck.
  • Chiropractors may use cranial adjustment techniques which uses very light touches on areas of the face and head to offer significant relief.
  • Increasing the intake of foods that are rich in magnesium and calcium can help prevent and relieve headaches
  • Stress management and coping techniques, along with relaxation training, can help prevent or reduce the severity of the migraine attacks.

All of these treatments should be used under the direction of a doctor familiar with migraine treatments.