Treatments for migraines
Treatments for migraines are aimed at decreasing the intensity of symptoms and preventing future migraines attacks.
If you are suffering from the annoyance of migraine attacks, you recognize how easily this illness can ruin your entire day or sometimes even a week and why finding a proper migraine treatment that helps you feel better is so important. In addition to the debilitating headache, migraine causes a lot of other unpleasant symptoms that can make you feel very sick, such as nausea, irritability, and weakness. And if you feel sensitivity to light and sound in the middle of a migraine, working, being at school, or even just getting out of bed can seem nearly impossible.
Medicines for the treatment of migraines.
Many medicines have been designed to treat migraines. The pharmaceutical drugs used to fight migraines fall into three broad categories:
Analgesic drugs.
These pharmaceutical drugs are also known as painkillers, these medications are taken during migraine episodes and are designed to ease the severity of symptoms.
Preventive drugs.
These types of medications are taken regularly, often daily, focusing on the reduction of the severity or frequency of episodes of migraines.
Your treatment choices depend on the frequency and intensity of headaches, whether you feel nauseous and vomit along with your headaches, how disabling your headaches are, and other medical conditions.
Anti-Migraines medicines – the newest implementation in the western treatment for migraines
| CATEGORY | GENERIC NAME | BRAND NAMES | KNOWN SIDE EFFECTS | CAN BE USED DURING AURA |
| Over-the-counter | ibuprofen | Advil, Motrin | Stomach upset or bleeding Rash SwellingMay raise the risk of heart attack or stroke | |
| aspirin + acetaminophen + caffeine | Excedrin Migraine, Excedrin, Goody’s | Heartburn Anxiety Insomnia Allergic reaction Liver damage Blood in stool or vomit Dizziness Easy bruising | ||
| acetaminophen | Tylenol | Liver damage Allergic reactions Rashes | ||
| naproxen | Aleve, Anaprox DS (prescription only), Naprosyn (prescription only) | Stomach upset Stomach bleeding Nausea Vomiting Rash Liver damage May raise the risk of heart attack or stroke | ||
| Ergot | dihydroergotamine | DHE-45 injection, Ergomar, Migranal nasal spray | Nausea Numbness of fingers and toes | Yes |
| Triptans | sumatriptan succinate | Imitrex injection, oral, intranasal Zembrace injection, Onzetra inhaled, Tosymra nasal spray | Dizziness Tingling Flushing Feelings of chest heaviness, burning, or tightness Nausea | Not with hemiplegic migraine, migraine with brainstem aura, stroke, heart disease, or uncontrolled hypertension, or pregnancy |
| zolmitriptan | Zomig | Dizziness Tingling Flushing Feelings of chest heaviness, burning, or tightness Nausea | Not with hemiplegic migraine, migraine with brainstem aura, stroke, heart disease, or uncontrolled hypertension | |
| rizatriptan | Maxalt | Dizziness Tingling Flushing Feelings of chest heaviness, burning, or tightness Nausea | Not with hemiplegic migraine, migraine with brainstem aura, stroke, heart disease, or uncontrolled hypertension | |
| naratriptan | Amerge | Dizziness Tingling Flushing Feelings of chest heaviness, burning, or tightness Nausea | Not with hemiplegic migraine, migraine with brainstem aura, stroke, heart disease, or uncontrolled hypertension | |
| almotriptan | Axert | Tiredness Dizziness Headache Nausea Chest pain | Not with hemiplegic migraine, migraine with brainstem aura, stroke, heart disease, or uncontrolled hypertension | |
| frovatriptan | Frova | Dizziness Flushing Palpitations Chest pain Headache Tingling Nausea | Not with hemiplegic migraine, migraine with brainstem aura, stroke, heart disease, or uncontrolled hypertension | |
| eletriptan | Relpax | Dizziness Tingling Flushing Feelings of chest heaviness, burning, or tightness Nausea Headache | Not with hemiplegic migraine, migraine with brainstem aura, stroke, heart disease, or uncontrolled hypertension | |
| Combination triptan + NSAID | sumatriptan + naproxen | Treximet | Head, jaw, chest, and arm discomfort, tightening or tingling Throat discomfort Muscle cramps Flushing Stomach upset or bleeding Nausea Vomiting Rash Liver damage | Not with hemiplegic migraine, migraine with brainstem aura, stroke, heart disease, or uncontrolled hypertension |
| Ditan | Lamictal | Reyvow | Dizziness Sleepiness Numbness Feeling tired Tingling | yes |
| CGRP Antagonists | Atogepant | Qulipta | Constipation Nausea Upper respiratory infection | no |
Rimegepant | Nutrec | Nausea UTI Allergic reaction | yes | |
| Ubrogepant | Ubrelvy | Drowsiness Nausea Dry mouth | yes |
Medicines commonly used to relieve migraine pain work best when taken at the first signs of an impending migraine – as soon as the signs and symptoms of a migraine begin.
Painkillers. These over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers include aspirin, Tylenol, or Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others). When painkillers are taken for too long, they can cause headaches related to drug abuse and possibly stomach ulcers and bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.
Migraine medications that combine caffeine, aspirin, and acetaminophen aka under brand name Excedrin Migraine may be more helpful than regular painkillers, but usually only for mild migraine symptoms.
Triptans.
Migraine medications from this group, such as Sumatriptan (Imitrex, Tosimra) and Rizatriptan (Maxalt, Maxalt-MLT) are commonly prescribed to prevent migraines attacks because they block pain pathways in the brain. In the form of tablets, injections, or nasal sprays, they can be used to relieve many migraine symptoms. They can be unsafe for those at risk of stroke or heart attack.
Dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal).
This prescription migraine medication is available as a nasal spray or injection. This migraine medication is most effective when taken shortly after the onset of migraine headache symptoms, which typically last for more than 2.4 hours. Side effects may include increased vomiting and nausea associated with migraines.
People that suffer from coronary artery diseases, hypertension, or kidney or liver illnesses should avoid dihydroergotamine.
Lasmiditan (Reyvow).
This newer oral tablet is approved for the treatment of migraines with or without aura. In drug studies, Lasmiditan significantly improved headaches. Lasmiditan may be sedative and cause dizziness, so people taking it are recommended not to drive or use machines for at least eight hours.
Ubrogepant (Ubrelvy) and Rimegepant (Nurtec ODT)
Both, Ubrogepant (Ubrelvy) and Rimegepant (Nurtec ODT) belong to a group of oral calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor antagonist CGRP antagonists lately accepted by FDA for the cure of acute episodes of migraine with or without aura in adults. During clinical trials, Ubrelvy and Nurtec ODT appeared to be more effective than placebo in relieving migraine-like headaches and other migraine symptoms such as stomach sickness, nausea, vomiting, along with hypersensitivity to light and sound.
Both, Ubrogepant (Ubrelvy) and Rimegepant (Nurtec ODT) must not be taken with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors.
Opioid drugs.
For people who cannot take other migraine medications, narcotic opioid medications can help. Because they can be very addictive, they are usually only used if no other treatment is working.
Anti-nausea drugs.
These remedies help if an episode of migraine with accompanied by aura, nausea, and vomiting. On the top of the list of anti-nausea drugs are:
- chlorpromazine,
- metoclopramide (Reglan),
- prochlorperazine (Compro).
Anti-nausea drugs are usually taken along with painkillers.
Some of these medications are not safe to use during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, do not use any of these medications without consulting your doctor first.
What is a migraine?
Migraine is a medical condition characterized by a pulsing sensation or extreme pain typically on only one side of the head. A migraine episode can last anywhere from hours to days. At times, the pain can be so intense that it hinders you from accomplishing even simple routine tasks.
Certain people experience an aura before or during a migraine attack. This aura can consist of visual disturbances such as blind spots or flashes of light, or other issues such as trouble while speaking, tingling in an arm or leg, or on one side of the face.
If you suffer from a migraine attack, you may experience the following symptoms:
- Vomiting and nausea
- Increased sensitivity to sound, light, and at times touch and smell
- Throbbing pain or pulses
- Pain that affects only one side of your head but can often affect both sides
Regular pharmaceutical medications can lessen pain and can prevent future attacks. Natural remedies for migraines, along with some lifestyle changes, can be even more beneficial as well as effective, and 100% safe.
What causes migraines?
Although the causes of migraine are not fully understood, genetic and environmental factors appear to play a role.
Alterations in the brainstem and their interactions with the trigeminal nerve, one of the main pain pathways, may be involved. The same can happen with imbalances in brain chemicals – including serotonin, which helps regulate pain in the nervous system.
Scientists are learning the role of serotonin in migraines. Other neurotransmitters play a role in migraine pain, including calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP).
What triggers migraines?
There are many known migraine triggers, including:
- Hormonal Changes in Women. Instabilities in estrogen, which often happen before or during menstrual bleeding, pregnancy, and climacteric state, seem to trigger headaches in many women.
- Hormonal medications such as oral contraceptives can also make migraines worse. However, some women find that their migraines occur less often when taking these drugs.
- Beverages. These include alcohol, especially wine, and too much caffeine like coffee.
- Emphasize. Stress at work or at home can cause migraines.
- Sensory stimuli. Bright or flashing lights can trigger migraines, as can loud noises. Strong odors – such as perfume, paint thinner, secondhand smoke, and others – trigger migraines in some people.
- Sleep changes. The deficiency of sleeping or too much sleep can trigger migraines in some people.
- Physical factors. Forceful physical efforts, including sport, physical work, and even sexual activities, can trigger migraines.
- Medications. Oral contraceptives and vasodilators, such as nitroglycerin, can make migraines worse.
- Food. Aged cheeses and salty and processed foods can trigger migraines. So maybe skip meals.
- Food additives. The list of those additives includes the sweetener aspartame and the preservative monosodium glutamate (MSG), which are found in many foods.
- Weather change. Change of weather especially from dry weather to rainy, or fall of air pressure can trigger a migraine.
Migraines risk factors
Numerous factors make you extra vulnerable to migraines:
- Family history. If any of your close relatives are suffering from migraines, you have a good chance of getting impacted by this ailment.
- Age. Migraines can start at any age, although the first often occurs during adolescence. The peak of migraine usually occurs in 30 years, and in the following decades, it gradually becomes less severe and less frequent.
- Gender. Females are three times more likely to suffer from migraines than males.
- Hormonal changes. In women with migraines, headaches may begin just before or shortly after the onset of menstruation. The amount of different hormones in your bloodstream often goes out of balance during pregnancy or menopause. Migraines usually improve after menopause.
Symptoms of migraines
Migraines that affect children and adolescents, as well as adults, can go through four stages: prodrome, aura, attack, and postdrome. Not everyone who gets migraines goes through all the stages but each stage manifests by different migraines symptoms.
Prodrome
One or two days before a migraine, you may notice subtle changes that alert you to an impending migraine, including:
- Constipation,
- Mood changes range from depression to euphoria,
- A thirst for food,
- Neck numbness,
- Increased urination,
- Fluid retention,
- Yawning frequently.
Aura
For some people, an aura may occur before or during a migraine. Aura manifests by reversible symptoms of migraines initiated by the nervous system. They are usually visual but can include other disorders as well. Each and every symptom typically initiates slowly and progressively, builds up over quite a few minutes, and can last up to 60 minutes.
Examples of migraine auras include:
- Visual phenomena, such as seeing various shapes, bright spots, or flashes of light
- Loss of vision
- Sensations of pins and needles in an arm or leg
- Paleness, numbness, and even feeling of paralysis (only feeling) on the one side of the face or of the body
- Difficulty speaking
Attack
The attack of Migraine typically lasts 4 to 72 hours if left untreated. The length of migraines attacks varies from patient to patient. Migraine may occur rarely or attack several times a month.
During a migraine, you may have:
- The pain is usually on one side of the head, but usually on both sides.
- Pain that throbs or pulsates
- Sensitivity to bright light, loud sounds, and sometimes to odors and physical touch
- Nausea and vomiting
Postdrome
After a migraine attack, you may feel empty, confused, and unconscious for up to a day. Some people report feeling elated. The sudden movement of the head may briefly cause pain again.
Natural Treatments for Migraines
Holistic natural treatments for migraines with proven efficacy include meditation and mindfulness training, acupuncture, essential oils, hypnotherapy, and nutraceuticals, or vitamins and minerals that are believed to have medicinal benefits. Research shows that up to 80% of migraine and headache patients have tried alternative treatments. In fact, many are turning to holistic treatments because traditional treatments have not been effective, may have caused side effects, or have yet to try them.
Holistic treatment for migraine can be used in conjunction with traditional therapies or as a single approach.
At-Home Remedies for Migraines
At-home remedies for migraines are popular, safe, and effective. Migraines aren’t your usual headaches. It can be accompanied by nausea, pounding pain, and increased sensitivity to sound and light. If you have a migraine attack, you’ll do anything you can to make it go away.
If you’re not seeing satisfactory results with medications or conventional methods, natural remedies are a safe approach to mitigating migraine symptoms. These natural remedies for migraines can lessen the duration and severity and prevent them from re-occurring again.
Yoga – tops the list of natural treatments for migraines
Yoga, in combination with other treatment regimens, can be beneficial in reducing the intensity and frequency of migraine headaches. Physically inactive people have a higher chance of experiencing migraines.
Gentle yoga that concentrates on meditation and breathing is an excellent way of eliminating stress. However, it would be best if you stayed away from intensive classes or poses that put a strain on your neck. You should consult a yoga teacher before carrying out yoga.
Yoga can improve your automatic cardiac balance. Migraines are linked with disturbances in circulatory system regulation and the autonomic nervous system. Yoga can improve balance reducing the likelihood of migraine attacks.
Essential Oils – perfect natural treatment for migraines
Essential oils possess certain health benefits. They can help you find relief from migraine headaches. Here are some essential oils that can help you deal with migraine symptoms:
- Peppermint: Appling this on your temples and forehead can help alleviate pain from tension headaches. Apply only a generous amount as it can lead to irritation and skin rashes.
- Sage: This popular spice can be used to provide effective relief from muscle cramps, stress, tension, and menstrual cramps. Some people use sage to get relief from migraine headaches.
- Lavender: This is one of the most popular essentials used in aromatherapy. It can effectively deal with pain, anxiety, and insomnia. Some research has shown that lavender, when breathed in, can safely alleviate migraine symptoms.
- Chamomile: Migraine is often related to anxiety and stress. Dealing with these issues can ease migraine headaches. Drinking chamomile tea can help you relax and alleviate stress and anxiety.
Diet Changes – one of the important components of any approach to migraine treatment
Along with these natural remedies for migraine, you can make specific dietary changes to help you deal with the symptoms. Certain foods can trigger migraine symptoms, such as:
- Caffeinated beverages
- Chocolate
- Alcohol
- Red wine
- Processed food
You should be well informed of which food items are triggering for you. Keeping a migraine journal or food diary should help you in tracking potential triggers.
Changing your food pattern and diet can significantly prevent future attacks.
Are natural treatments for migraines safe?
At-home remedies for migraines as well as natural treatments for migraines such as homeopathy and acupuncture may cause minimal or no side effects. Most of the negative consequences are often associated with inexperienced or unqualified practitioners. You must seek natural treatments in consultation with qualified practitioners.
Since at-home remedies for migraines are natural, the results can be slow to materialize. However, they are much safer and, at times, can produce remarkable results even in comparison to strong conventional medications and other forms of migraine treatments. They can also be used in combination with traditional methods to provide very impressive results.
Homeopathy – #1 natural treatment for migraines
Homeopathy also offers numerous natural remedies for migraines. They’re safe and can, at times, provide results where even conventional methods fail. Some excellent homeopathic remedies include:
- Belladonna: If you’re experiencing violent or throbbing headaches or the pain begins spontaneously, belladonna is one of the most effective and widely used homeopathic remedies for migraine attacks.
- Spigelia: If you’re experiencing migraine attacks on the left side, spigelia is a very potent homeopathic remedy. The pain might be intensified by motion or touch.
- Glonoinum: This homeopathic remedy is beneficial for easing congestive headaches. If you’re experiencing throbbing pain along with heat and redness on the face, glonoinum can provide you with effective relief.
- Natrum Muriaticum: If you have a migraine that results from stress or any mental grief, natrum muriaticum can provide you with significant relief. It can also prove to be very beneficial for anemic headaches.
Homeopathy is an excellent alternative treatment for migraines. It’s safe and provides remarkable results. Consulting with your homeopath will help in figuring out the best homeopathic remedy for your symptoms.
Acupuncture – #2 natural treatment for migraines
This traditional Chinese technique is very useful in rebalancing the flow of positive chakra. It can also eliminate the negative energy that leads to pain. Acupuncture is known for stimulating various systems of the human body. This is very advantageous in triggering a healing response.
Depending on your symptoms, needles are inserted into various pressure points. The acupuncture needles invigorate the nerves to release hormones with health benefits like endorphins. This ability of acupuncture to stimulate the immune and circulation system can aid in relieving tension and migraine headaches.
Acupuncture is one of the safest natural treatments for migraines. If done by a qualified professional, it has little to no side effects.
Conclusion
About 1 in every 4 women experience migraines. The symptoms can be very frustrating to deal with and hinder your everyday life. It can severely curtail your quality of life and prevent you from concentrating on anything else. At-home remedies for migraines and other Natural treatments for migraines offer a safe and effective alternative approach to dealing with migraine symptoms.
Natural treatment for migraines in Philadelphia
If you reside in Philadelphia or the nearest suburbs and in need of natural treatment for migraines always remember that Philadelphia Holistic Clinic is the #1 natural treatment facility that houses all available natural treatment methods under one roof. Some patients use the term at-home remedies for migraines, but still, if you need advice and supervision of the professional. Contact the clinic (267) 284-4305 to book an appointment for Alternative Holistic Evaluation.
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