
First, what could be causing my migraines?
Current evidence (as described in this review) suggests that migraine
headaches begin with an abnormal activation of cells in the nervous system that
spreads across the brain. This leads to inflammation near pain-sensitive parts
of the brain, the release of chemical messengers, and changes in the
sensitivity of nerves that carry pain signals. Among the nerves involved are
branches of the trigeminal nerve. This nerve provides sensation to areas of the
face, and controls muscles that allow us to bite or chew. It’s
also connected to the pain-sensitive lining of the brain.
This evolving
understanding of potential causes of migraine headaches has led to treatments
that focus less on blood vessel changes and more on ways to block chemical
messengers involved in pain signals. Triptan medicines, including sumatriptan
(Imitrex and others) and rizatriptan (Maxalt), are good examples.
Try some Home Remedies.
Use an ice pack on your
forehead, scalp, or neck.
Take OTC meds like
acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen.
Get some caffeine. A
little has been effective in relieving the pain symptoms.
Go to a dark, quiet room.
If these are not cutting
it. Take a look
at prescription options best discussed with your doctor.
The 2 classes of medications available.
Migraine medication is
broken down in two classifications.
Abortive is what you take on the onset of migraines and Prophylactic are
drugs you take daily as a preventive measure.
Abortive
The goal of abortive
treatment is to stop a migraine once it starts. Abortive medications stop a
migraine when you feel one coming or once it has begun. Abortive medications
can be taken by self-injection, mouth, skin patch, or nasal spray. These forms
of medication are especially useful for people who have nausea or vomiting
related to their migraine, and they work quickly.
Abortive treatments
include the triptans and ditans, which specifically
target serotonin. They are all very similar in their
action and chemical structure. The triptans are used only to treat headache and
do not relieve pain from back problems, arthritis, menstruation, or other
conditions. People with certain medical conditions should not take these
medications.
Almotriptan (Axert)
Eletriptan (Relpax)
Frovatriptan (Frova)
Naratriptan (Amerge)
Rizatriptan (Maxalt)
Sumatriptan ( Alsuma, Imitrex, Onzetra, Sumavel, Zembrace)
Zolmitriptan (Zomig)
Prophylactic
This type of treatment is
considered if migraines occur frequently, typically more than one migraine per
week, or if migraine symptoms are severe. The goal is to lessen the frequency
and severity of the migraine attacks. Medication to prevent a migraine can be
taken daily. Preventive treatment medications include the following:
Medications used to treat
high blood pressure:
beta-blockers
(propranolol, timolol, metoprolol)
calcium channel blockers
(verapamil)
Antidepressants:
amitriptyline (Elavil), nortriptyline (Aventyl,
Pamelor)
Antiseizure medications:
gabapentin (Neurontin), topiramate (Topamax), valproic acid (Depakote)
CGRP inhibitors used to
block the calcitonin gene-related peptide: Eptinezumab
(Vyepti), erenumab
(Aimovig), fremanezumab (Ajovy),
galcanezumab (Emgality)
Botox
Add these natural routines to your
treatment plan.
S.E.E.D.S. is an acronym
that stands for lifestyle changes that can help calm our overly sensitive brain
S – sleep hygiene;
E – eat regularly;
E – exercise regularly;
D – diary, keep a
headache diary;
S – stress management;
SEEDS