What triggers migraine headaches and their treatment options

Migraine headaches can be extremely devastating. This condition may run in the family, may be related to stress or some foods. Poor eating habits, irregular sleep patterns, allergic reactions and weather can trigger migraine headaches. Migraine treatment can be classified into three levels- preventative treatment, acute treatment and rescue treatment.

Medicines

Treatment of migraine headaches involves certain medicines which can be classified into:

Pain-relieving medicines: Neurologists prescribe these medicines to halt already started symptoms. These can be taken anytime during migraine attacks. These medicines include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), anti-nausea medications, opiates and Butalbital combinations. The medicines are most effective when taken immediately after witnessing signs of a migraine headache. Moreover, rest and sleep is essential to increase the efficiency of the medicines.

Preventive medicines: These medicines are taken on a daily basis to control the severity of frequency of symptoms. These include cardiovascular drugs like propranolol, verapamil, antidepressants, anti-seizure drugs, cyproheptadine and botulinum toxin type A (Botox).

Preventive medicines may not be able to completely eradicate headaches and may lead to serious side effects. If you are taking these medicines regularly and you haven’t experienced an attack for 3-6 months, your neurologist may lower the previously prescribed dose to see if you remain migraine free. For the treatment to be effective, it’s best to follow your neurologist’s instructions.

Your doctor may prescribe these medicines on the basis of severity of your headaches, the extent of disability it leads to, pregnancy and your overall health. Some medicines are not suggested for pregnant women, breastfeeding women and children. Migraine in females may affect their menses. Therefore, menstrual migraine treatment depends on menopausal symptoms, whether the menses are heavy or light and the regularity of your menstrual cycle.

Home treatment for migraine headaches

The magnitude of pain that accompanies a migraine headache can be take care off at home. Prescription medicines don’t suit some migraine patients and they may suffer from side effects. This is where home remedies for migraine headache come into play. Fish oil, Peppermint oil, ginger are some of the sure-shot methods to get rid of migraine headaches.

Whether you take prescribed medicines or try home remedies, it is suggested to note what works and what does not for your migraine headache. This will help you manage migraine better.