Treatment & Remedies

The different types of treatments for migraine patients

The different types of treatments for migraine patients

Migraines are a health condition that affects a lot of individuals. The condition and its side effects can be rather crippling. Migraines have the capacity to affect the day-to-day lives of those who suffer from it. But despite its widespread occurrence, many who suffer from migraines are not aware of the potential ways to treat it. So, here are some common migraine treatments that should help reduce the side effects and symptoms.

What is a migraine?

A migraine is a form of headache that can usually range from moderate to severe on the pain scale. The pain caused by a migraine is usually felt on one side of the head and is typically throbbing in nature. Statistics show that one in every five women and one in every 15 men suffer from migraines.

There are many different types of migraines. The most common are:

  • Migraine with aura
    Many individuals who suffer from migraines with auras experience warning signs before the migraine begins. The warning signs include seeing flashing lights that occur for around 60 minutes before the migraine headache begins.
  • Migraine without aura
    Migraines without auras are basically migraines without any warning signs.
  • Migraine aura without headache
    While migraines usually occur in the form of headaches, some experience migraines only in the form of warning signs. These kinds of migraines are also known as silent migraines, and the person will show warning signs but will not develop a headache.

Many individuals experience migraines multiple times a week, while some experience these intense headaches occasionally.

In fact, sometimes, individuals may go years in between two migraine attacks.

What treatments are available for migraine?

If anyone is experiencing migraines, they need to first get diagnosed and then opt for whichever mode of treatment works for them.

One of the most efficient ways of treating migraines is medication. Medication for migraines can be divided into two categories. One where it can be used as a preventive measure, and the other is to help soothe the pain caused by a migraine.

Medication that is used to reduce the amount and severity of migraines is supposed to be taken daily. These simply exist to reduce the amount, frequency, and severity of a migraine. This medication includes antidepressant medication, anti-seizure medication, botox medication, CGRP or calcitonin gene-related peptide monoclonal antibodies, and more.

On the other hand, the medication that is prescribed to reduce and relieve the pain of a migraine is known as an acute or abortive treatment. These medications are available in different types.

  • Pain relievers
    Pain relief medication is a kind of medication that can be purchased over-the-counter. These include medicines such as ibuprofen, Advil, and more. Long-term use of these medications should be avoided as they can lead to overuse headaches and even bleeding in the digestive tract.
  • Triptans
    Triptans are a type of prescription medication that blocks the pain pathways in the brain allowing the individual to function minus the effect of a migraine. They are an effective form of treating migraines and can be taken in the form of a pill or via nasal ingestion.
  • Dihydroergotamine
    Another form of medication that helps treat the symptoms of a migraine is dihydroergotamine. It should be taken within 24 hours after the onset of a migraine. It has certain side effects, including vomiting and nausea.
  • Anti-nausea medication
    One of the major side effects of migraines and migraines with aura is nausea and vomiting. To tackle this, it is best to include medication that helps prevent this symptom. This would include prochlorperazine, metoclopramide, and even chlorpromazine. These medications are taken along with other migraines treatments.

It is best to visit your doctor if you are suffering from migraines as they will prescribe medication based on the severity of your condition.

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