Migraine Treatment

A migraine is an intense type of headache that results in severe pain and can cause a variety of other symptoms.

Migraines are one of the most common yet severe medical conditions and come with symptoms such as sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and vomiting.

Migraines can be identified by throbbing and tension that brings with it sensitivity to any type of stimuli. You may also notice warning signs before these intense headaches such as flashes of light in your vision or other sensory triggers prior to onset.

Migraines are not simply headaches, they are much more severe and have similar yet distinct causes and symptoms from normal headaches.

Causes of Migraines

Migraines can be caused by constant stress, lack of a balanced diet, or blood flow issues caused by other conditions such as diabetes. Migraines are mainly caused by excess tension in blood vessels in the brain similar to tension headaches, but with the difference being the extreme severity and additional symptoms such as sensitivity and sickness due to intense pain. Migraines always have associated triggers that cause them, some of which include:

Emotional Triggers

Experiencing an excess of stress, anxiety, or shock can trigger migraines in those who are sensitive.

Physical Causes

Not getting sufficient amounts of sleep and experiencing shoulder and neck tension and pain have been shown to lead to an increased risk of migraines. In addition, low blood sugar and por dietary conditions also lead to a higher susceptibility.

Medications

Certain medications such as sleeping pills, hormone replacement pills, and also contraceptive pills can increase the sensitivity to experiencing migraines.

Environmental Triggers

Sensory cues form the environment such as flashes of light, sudden loud sounds, and even strong smells can set off migraines.

Treatment Options

There are several treatment options for migraines depending on the symptoms, intensity, and frequency of occurrence.

Migraines that occur rarely and do not occur by sensory triggers are considered more mild cases and can be treated more effectively. In these cases preventative medications can be more effective and help to curb symptoms and severity before they progress. Types of medications that are often prescribed as preventative medication include antidepressants, pain relievers, and anti-seizure drugs.

If your migraines are more commonly experienced and have sensory triggers, you may benefit more from taking pain medications immediately when symptoms begin. Medications that contain acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine are normally tailored specifically for migraines. These can be found in some over the counter medications as well as prescription drugs. If taken too often, these medications can lead to ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, and cause medication-overuse headaches.

Triptans are also an effective medication for thwarting the severe pain experienced during migraines. These treatments work by constricting blood vessels and blocking pain receptors and pathways in the brain. They are one of the most safe and effective ways to treat severe migraines.

If you are experiencing mild or severe migraine symptoms, try to lower stress and physical exertion and get plenty of rest to more effectively combat symptoms. Talk to your doctor and receive an evaluation in order to determine the best plan of action to address your specific case of migraines more effectively.