Migraine Headache Treatment

Migraine headache treatment takes many forms as there are OTC medications one can take, doctor prescribed medications, natural treatments, diet changes, surgery options and more different migraine treatments.

Natural Migraine Treatment

There are many natural approaches available for the treatment of migraine headaches which can be effective over the long term. If you have migraines and don't obtain relief from the first natural migraine remedy you try, do not become discouraged but rather simply try another one.

• Alcohol
  Alcohol provides some migraine sufferers with relief. Drinking alcohol in small amounts such as shot of quality Armagnac during an attack helps to relax tense muscles. While alcohol such as beer and red wine can trigger migraines in some people, drinking it in small amounts does provide many sufferers with some degree of relief.


• Fresh Air
  Outdoor air can be very helpful in relieving the pain a migraine headache brings. Simply moving outdoors into a cool, comfortable place can help to reduce the throbbing pain and help a sufferer to relax.


• Hot Water Applications on Head and Neck
  Repeated applications of towels wrung out from very warm water to the head and back of the neck can help to alleviate the pain of a migraine headache. The warmth helps to relieve tense muscles and to open restricted arteries so that blood flows more freely.


• Herbs
  

  Herbal remedies are more gentle than drugs for migraines but taking too much of a herb can make a migraine worse and do some harm to your body. If the herb in moderation does not help as migraine headache treatment it is wise to speak with your doctor if you plan on using more of the one or more herbs to treat your migraine headache symptoms.

  

  Feverfew is a very popular migraine headache herbal remedy. Also called “bachelor's button” this herb is a member of the daisy family which can be easily grown wherein the leaves can be harvested. Migraine treatment can be achieved by taking a controlled amount of feverfew daily. Many people find that the pain of their headaches are reduced as is the nauseousness and sensitivity to light and noise. This herb works as an anti-inflammatory much like ibuprofen does and it is thought that it inhibits the cause of the blood vessels in the head to spasm.

  Peppermint is another herb which many people use to alleviate the pain caused by migraines. A touch of peppermint can be put into warm tea or salad. Peppermint can also be added to oil and massaged into the head and neck as it has some cooling properties which can provide relief from tension and pain. Mint in salads also works as excellent treatment for migraine headaches.

  

  Passionflower is a calming herb which can be taken as a tea to help a migraine sufferer sleep. Passionflower is also known to reduce anxiety and to lessen pain. It also serves as a natural anti-inflammatory.

  White willow bark is a popular herb used for the alleviation of migraine headache pain. Willow bark works much like an aspirin, relieving pain and serving as an anti-inflammatory.

• Sex
  While many people use a headache as a reason not to have sex, studies have shown that having sex can actually reduce the pain, tension and stress of a migraine headache. Sex is a great way to totally relax the body and to increase blood flow to the brain. It also can lift the spirits and enhance feelings of well being which can go far in easing migraine pain.


• Yoga
  It is possible to get relief from migraine pain with the help of yoga. When yoga is practiced, the nerves in the head and neck regions are relaxed so that blood flows freely. A yoga shoulder stand is a good pose to use for migraine relief as the upper body is supplied with oxygen.


• Diet
  A change of diet can be helpful in both the prevention and treatment of migraine headaches. It may prove helpful to avoid certain foods such as aged cheeses, alcohol and processed meats and other foods such as soup mixes. It is also helpful to avoid making sudden changes to your diet and to see to it that a well-balanced diet is eaten regularly. Increasing your consumption of magnesium-rich foods such as green leafy vegetables can help to prevent the onset of migraines. It can be helpful to introduce peppermint, ginger, fish and calcium rich foods into your diet as well.


• Acupuncture 
  Some people find relief from migraine headache pain with the help acupuncture. The points on the body to treat migraines are located in various places such as along the legs, arms, shoulders and big toes. Acupuncture as well as yoga and sex are also excellent migraine prevention.


• Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy can reduce migraine headache by creating relaxing environment.



Migraine Medications

Many drugs have been designed specifically for migraine treatment. Additionally, some common drugs are deemed useful in alleviating the pain and tension brought on by migraine headaches.



• Pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin and others) or acetaminophen such as Tylenol can be used as migraine headaches treatment as they help to relieve mild migraine headaches.


• Triptans are the drugs of choice for migraine attacks. They are effective in relieving pain, nausea and sensitivity to light. These drugs include Imitrex, Maxalt, Axert, Zomig, Frova, Amerge and Relpax. Triptans should not be used by people who are at risk for heart attacks and strokes.


• Amitriptylines such as Elavil, Laroxyl and Sarotex are antidepressant medications which are often prescribed for the prevention of migraine headaches. This medication is typically taken at bedtime which helps patients sleep better. Patients are generally started on low doses which can be increased if needed.


• Opiates such as codeine are sometimes prescribed as treatment of migraine headaches for patients who cannot take triptans. Opiates are habit-forming which means that these drugs should only be used as a last resort.


• Vitamins
  Some vitamins have proved helpful in the treatment of migraines. If you do not eat a regular, well-balanced diet then you might want to consider taking the following supplements: magnesium, calcium, Vitamin B2 and Vitamin B5. Magnesium and calcium supplements should not be taken at the same time of the day as calcium can block the body's ability to absorb magnesium.


• Surgery
  Some innovative surgical techniques have been developed as treatment for migraine headaches. The most common consists of the cauterization of the superficial blood vessels of the scale and taking out muscles or nerves in known trigger sites.

 

Migraine medications should be used as last resort as they do not tackle migraine headache causes but only migraine symptoms. Well-balanced diet and physical exercises are much more effective migraine headache treatment in long term.