Help For Migraine Sufferers
Suffering from a migraine headache can be one of the most painful, debilitating and disheartening of conditions to deal with. These are called primary headaches, which means they are not caused by any underlying medical condition. More often than not, there is usually a genetic component. Migraines may also be related to hormonal fluctuations, diet, stress, and sleep patterns along with other factors. Luckily there is help to ease the pain, as well as medications and strategies that may prevent migraines from occurring.
There are preventative medicines which are prescribed to reduce the frequency of migraines. They include antiepileptics like Depakote and Topamax. In addition, Beta blockers, calcium channel blockers and even antidepressants may be used off-label to prevent migraines. These are medications which are known to have possible side effects and are not necessarily suitable for everyone. Your doctor will select a preventative medicine based on several factors, including your individual headache history, whether or not you are taking any medications, and taking into consideration whether you have any existing medical conditions.
Triptans are commonly prescribed medications for individuals suffering from chronic migraines. Examples of these medications include Imitrex and Zomig, which work by terminating the vascular changes and inflammation related to migraines as well as the related symptoms of nausea and sensitivity to sound and/or light. Results are the most effective when these are taken as soon as possible after the first onset of symptoms occurs.
For fast pain relief in the event that the headache has already hit, there are acute analgesics like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) and acetaminophen. Examples of NSAIDs include ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen. The most well known brand of acetaminophen pain reliever is Tylenol. Medications, such as Excedrin Migraine, combine aspirin, acetaminophen and caffeine for optimum results. Studies have shown that the adding a dose of caffeine will help to raise the effectiveness of the pain reliever by as much as 40 percent.
When acute pain relievers have failed, it may be necessary to head to a medical facility for a rescue treatment, which will probably consist of a narcotic pain reliever like Stadol, Demerol or Oxycontin. Frequently these drugs are given via injection for immediate pain relief. But they should only be used when absolutely necessary, because of the high degree of dependence and addiction. Furthermore, there is the possibility of troublesome side effects, such as nausea, itching, sedation and decreased respiration. Narcotic pain relievers should not be used by anyone with a background of substance abuse or anyone who has a history of lung, liver or kidney disease.
In addition to prescribed treatments, there are also natural ways to reduce the discomfort of a migraine. Headache relief can be achieved through biofeedback, which is a skill taught by a trained professional utilizing a biofeedback machine, until a point is reached where the patient has learned to maintain the state on their own. Biofeedback teaches you how to regulate body functions such as heartbeat, temperature, respiration, and even the perception of pain, by using the power of the mind. Another alternative treatment is acupuncture, which is the ancient practice of inserting thin needles into certain areas of the body. Another part of prevention is learning what your own particular migraine triggers are and how to avoid them in the first place. Making an effort to keep a headache journal can be an important part of trigger and symptom identification for both you and your doctor in providing for your long-term improvement and prevention.
