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;