Headache and Migraine Remedies
Whether you are suffering from a migraine or a headache, there are several things that you can do to relieve the symptoms. There are prescription medications, non-prescription medications, and other ways to relieve the pain.
Prescription medications
Fortunately, migraine control is within reach with the right prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. To determine which medications are best for you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Triptans are among the most effective medications for migraine. These drugs narrow arteries around the brain to ease the pain. Triptans are available as pills, injections, or nasal sprays. Some triptans have side effects.
Other types of migraine medicines include calcium channel blockers, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants. These medications work by blocking the sensory nerve endings of the brain. Calcium channel blockers are effective for migraine pain, but they can cause side effects. Antidepressants work by affecting the levels of serotonin in the brain.
NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) include aspirin and ibuprofen. They work by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandin E2 (a substance that can cause inflammation). They are also available as over-the-counter medications.
Beta-blockers, which lower blood pressure, are also used to treat migraine headaches. Two of the most common beta blockers are propranolol and metoprolol. However, beta-blockers tend to have severe side effects.
Aspirin is also a popular migraine medicine, but aspirin can cause Reye’s syndrome if taken too often. For sensitive stomachs, acetaminophen is a better choice. The over-the-counter version of aspirin is Tylenol.
Calcium channel blockers, like Verelan, work by blocking the contraction of blood vessels in the brain. They are also used to treat high blood pressure. Aspirin and caffeine are also used to treat migraine pain.
Anti-sickness medicines, also called anti-emetics, can also be used to treat migraine without experiencing nausea and diarrhea. These medications can be taken with or without painkillers. These drugs are usually available as tablets.
To treat migraine, you’ll need a comprehensive treatment plan that includes medication and a healthy lifestyle. You’ll also need to record your headache frequency and severity, and see your doctor if your headaches become worse.
Nonmedication treatments
Behavioral approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy and biofeedback may help improve patient-reported outcomes, reduce migraine frequency, and reduce the intensity of migraine pain. Research is needed to understand the mechanisms of action and the long-term effects of these approaches.
In addition, some medications may also be used to prevent migraine. These medications may be prescribed as part of preventive therapy, and include beta-blockers, verapamil, and blood pressure-lowering drugs. They may be used in combination with anti-sickness medicines, which can help reduce migraine pain.
There are several kinds of pain-relieving medications, including aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. These medicines are absorbed quickly by the body, which can make them effective when used in the early stages of a migraine. They are available as tablets and suppositories.
Triptans are also available and may be injected into the brain. These medications work by narrowing the blood vessels around the brain, which may help prevent migraines. They may be a combination of painkillers and anti-sickness medicines, or they can be taken as needed.
Anti-seizure medications are usually prescribed when other medicines fail. They may cause drowsiness and dizziness. They are also not recommended for pregnant women.
Beta-blockers are designed to treat high blood pressure. They may have side effects, including weight changes. During migraine attacks, they may cause bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.
Behavioral approaches include biofeedback, which teaches patients to deal with stressful situations in a more productive way. These methods are becoming more accepted as valid treatment options.
Non-pharmacological approaches include acupuncture and yoga. Both approaches can help reduce migraine pain, and some people find them convenient.
Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points of the body. Some GP surgeries offer this service.
Diagnosis
Getting an accurate diagnosis of headaches and migraine is a difficult task. But, with the right questions, you can help your doctor get the right diagnosis. Getting an accurate diagnosis of headache and migraine will not only help you reduce your migraine attacks, but also help you find the right treatment.
The best way to get a migraine diagnosis is to see a neurologist. A neurologist will perform neurological tests to determine the cause of your headaches. He or she can also order additional diagnostic tests.
In general, migraine symptoms vary widely from person to person. Some patients have pain on both sides of their heads. Others have pain on just one side of their head. The pain may be mild or severe. Some patients will have nausea, vomiting, or dizziness. These symptoms may come and go without warning.
If your neurologist thinks you have a migraine, he or she will refer you to a headache specialist. Your primary care physician can make the referral for you.
You may be asked to keep a migraine diary to track your symptoms and treatments. This record should include what triggers your migraines, where your pain is located, what medications you take, and what you eat and drink. You may be asked to rate the pain on a scale of one to ten. It’s also a good idea to note whether or not over-the-counter (OTC) medications work for you.
Your doctor may be able to tell you if you have a migraine by looking at your medical history, checking your pulse, and observing your reflexes. He or she will also check your vision and your coordination.
You can also use an online tool to find a doctor. Some insurance companies offer this service. You may also find reviews online.
Treatment of secondary headaches
Identifying the cause of a secondary headache is critical to determining treatment. There are several factors to consider. First, the underlying condition may be life-threatening. Secondly, treatment will vary depending on the underlying condition. In some cases, patients will require lifestyle changes, high blood pressure medications, or weight loss.
Secondary headaches can be caused by trauma, sinusitis, exertion, or even exertional headache. They may be recurrent or may last for months. It is important to obtain a complete medical history. You should also discuss the location, quality, and frequency of headaches. This information will help your healthcare provider determine whether you need imaging or other treatment options.
The most common type of secondary headache is a tension-type headache. However, other types of headaches can also be classified as secondary. A secondary headache is usually caused by another underlying disease or disorder.
A secondary headache can also be caused by a change in the frequency or duration of the headache. If you experience a change in the frequency or duration of a headache, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. If you experience a headache that is associated with a fever, your doctor may need to prescribe antibiotics or other treatments.
The most important factor in determining the cause of a secondary headache is the underlying condition. This is especially important if a secondary headache is caused by a neurologic disorder. There are several types of laboratory tests that can be ordered to help diagnose a secondary headache.
The International Headache Society has a detailed classification of headaches. The classification has been updated several times. The most recent classification was published in July 2013. It is important to understand the different types of secondary headaches and migraine.
Ancient references to headaches, migraine, and neuralgia
During the Stone Age, headaches were so bad that they were thought to be a result of evil spirits. The ancients had a few good ideas for dealing with them, including the use of a clay crocodile as a talisman, which would be secured with a bit of linen. The crocodile would supposedly have some sort of grain in its mouth that would be ingested when the headache hit. This method of coping with headaches was not a particularly modern one, as evidenced by the fact that the crocodile remains a favorite in Egypt to this day.
The Ebers Papyrus, an ancient Egyptian papyrus dating to the first millennium BCE, has a lot of information, not the least of which is a reference to the ol’ crocodile. The Papyrus is a collection of ancient Egyptian medical texts and is the oldest surviving example of a medical text ever written. This collection of papyri is a treasure trove of medical information and contains a great deal of information on headaches, migraine, and other medical matters.
In the European Middle Ages, headaches were treated by means ranging from soaked poultices to drug-soaked cloths. In the present day, migraine is a chronic medical condition and can be treated by a variety of methods, including medication, physical therapy, and behavioral therapies. The cost of direct and indirect socioeconomic damage from migraine is estimated at over $14 billion a year. While the history of headaches is not as clear-cut as some would have you believe, the affliction remains a highly prevalent one. The affliction of migraine has spawned an entire subspecialty, migraine therapy, which focuses on the prevention, treatment, and management of migraine.
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Health A-Z. (2022, April 26). Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-a-z-4014770
Harvard Health. (2015, November 17). Health A to Z. https://www.health.harvard.edu/health-a-to-z
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