Simple Analgesics are over the counter medications for general pain relief.
These medications include acetaminophen and aspirin, and Excedrin® Migraine.
Analgesics relieve pain by acting on peripheral pain receptors and may also have anti-inflammatory effects. Though readily available, they are generally not strong enough to relieve migraine pain and overuse may cause rebound headaches. Common complications of these medications include stomach pain, bleeding, and higher risk for liver and kidney damage. These side effects may be more pronounced when mixed with anti-epileptic drugs and anti-depressants, so be sure to consult your health care provider before trying something new.
Migraine headaches and medicine
Medical management of migraine involves 4 distinct phases. These include:
Prevention of migraine headache
The first line of medical management for migraine headache is the use of preventive, or prophylactic, medications in order to prevent or reduce the frequency of migraine episodes in patients who experience frequent migraine headaches. Patience who experience frequent migraines typically have two or more per month.
While these medications do not work immediately, over time they may prevent blood-vessel swelling; however, they do not treat other migraine-associated symptoms, and are non-selective, meaning that they may affect the blood vessels in other regions of the body besides the head, and this affect is not always desirable.
Many migraine headache sufferers using preventive treatments will still need to take pain-relieving medications to alleviate the pain and other symptoms associated with migraine headache in addition to the preventative medications. A few of the most commonly prescribed preventative migraine headache medications includes:
Neurogastroenterologists, physicians who study the connection between certain neaurological disorders and the digestive system, such as migraine headaches, have also discovered a link between the abnormality in migraine brain chemistry and the digestive system. This very new medical approach is being scientifically studied with highly favorable, evidence-based outcomes in preliminary testing results
Trigger management of migraine headache
Trigger management is important in preventing migraine headache attacks. The triggering factors that may cause migraine headache, when recognized and/or avoided, may forestall an impending migraine attack. Triggers vary from person to person, and amongst persons. What may be a trigger one day, may not be a trigger on another day. While this mechanism isn’t well understood, fluctuations in hormones, sleep, diet, and emotional factors are thought to play a role in the migraine sufferer’s sensitivity to triggers.
Examples of triggers acknowledged by the medical community include changes in weather or air-pressure, bright sunlight, glare, fluorescent lights, chemical fumes, menstrual cycles, and certain foods such as processed meats, red wine, beer, dried fish, broad beans, fermented cheeses, aspartame, and MSG.
Examples of what aren’t triggers according to medicine include lifestyle, stress, anxiety, worry, emotion, excitement, depressions, and caffeine. Since caffeine alleviates/ and or prevents migraine for some individuals, some health care providers do not believe that caffeine is migraine headache trigger. Other neuro-transmitter-altering chemicals in commonly caffeinated beverages and foods such as chocolate, tea and coffee may be the culprit, rather than the caffeine. Preliminary research studies support these findings.
Read more on migraine triggers on the page Migraine Headache Causes
Stopping a migraine headache attack
Migraine stopping medications are used to relieve the severity and/or duration of migraine headache pain and associated symptoms. In general, most attack-stopping medications should be taken as early as possible in an attack. Many Migraine sufferers learn to recognize their prodrome, or early migraine-onset warning signs, while others can use their aura as early warning systems to implement their migraine attack-stopping treatment of choice for an early intervention approach, and in many cases avoid a severe and painful prolonged migraine headache attack.
Certain medicines that regulate the blood vessels in the brain are designed specifically for alleviating the pain and associated symptoms of migraine headache. They may be administered by subcutaneously through the skin, orally, rectally, or by intramuscular means. These medications include ergotamine tartrate, dihydroergotamine (Migranal®, DHE45®), sumatriptan (Imitrex®), naratriptan (Amerge®), rizatriptan (Maxalt®), zolmitripan (Zomig®), Electriptan (Relpax®), frovatriptan (FROVA®) and isometheptene mucate (Midrin®). Maxalt® and Zomig® both come in a melting tablet version you can take with out water, which is very convenient for early intervention for a oncoming severe attack when you may not be able to make it to a restroom, such as during air travel, in class or while having a meeting.
An excellent non-vascular migraine-stopping medicine is butorphanol tartrate (Stadol NS), offered as a patient-administered injection and a nasal spray. In an emergency room environment, narcotic injections are usually taken with promenthazine (Phenergan) or hydroxyzine (Vistril) for nausea, and can offer a migraine-relieving option when all of the above fail to ease the symptoms, or are not appropriate, such as in heart disease or when other limiting medical conditions exist.
There are several types of medication offered for general pain management for migraine headaches.
Narcotic analgesics are prescription narcotic medication that may be prescribed for general pain management for migraine headaches.
The most well-known of these medications include Fiorinal® with codeine, codeine, Percodan®, Demerol®, Tylox®, or methadone.
Narcotic analgesics provide general pain management. They act on the central nervous system, and alter the patient's perception of pain. While these medicines may effectively relieve pain, because they are narcotic, they may also be addictive. Such usage should be done in an appropriate way, so as to offer a return a normal quality of life for the frequent migraine headache sufferer.
Since NSAIDs are not specific to the blood vessels of the brain, and do not treat associated Migraine symptoms, and they can cause gastrointestinal disturbances, they are less frequently prescribed for severe migraine headache. Some of these over the counter NSAIDs have been repackaged to target migraine headache sufferers, such as with Advil Migraine. Although these NSAIDs may look like a new Migraine OTC (over-the-counter-medication), they are not, but are rather an effective OTC treatment for use with mild and mild-to-moderate migraines for some migrainers. Please advise your health care practitioner when you add these and any other OTC medicines to your headache and pain management prescriptions and regime. Always keep your physician well-advised any self-modifications to the regime the two of you have decided to use to manage your migraine headaches.
NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) act by inhibiting blood vessel inflammation. These medications include naproxen, ibuprofen and ketorolac.
Since NSAIDs are not specific to the blood vessels of the brain, and do not treat associated Migraine symptoms, and they can cause gastrointestinal disturbances, they are less frequently prescribed for severe migraine headache. These medications include naproxen, ibuprofen and ketorolac. Some over the counter NSAIDs have been repackaged to target migraine headache sufferers, such as with Advil Migraine. Although these NSAIDs may look like a new Migraine OTC (over-the-counter-medication), they are not, but are rather an effective OTC treatment for use with mild and mild-to-moderate migraines for some migrainers. Please advise your health care practitioner when you add these and any other OTC medicines to your headache and pain management prescriptions and regime. Always keep your physician well-advised any self-modifications to the regime the two of you have decided to use to manage your migraine headaches.
NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) act by inhibiting blood vessel inflammation. These medications include naproxen, ibuprofen and ketorolac.
NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) act by inhibiting blood vessel inflammation. Since NSAIDs are not specific to the blood vessels of the brain, and do not treat associated Migraine symptoms, and they can cause gastrointestinal disturbances, they are less frequently prescribed for severe migraine headache. Some over the counter NSAIDs have been repackaged to target migraine headache sufferers, such as with Advil Migraine. Although these NSAIDs may look like a new Migraine OTC (over-the-counter-medication), they are not, but are rather an effective OTC treatment for use with mild and mild-to-moderate migraines for some migrainers. Please advise your health care practitioner when you add these and any other OTC medicines to your headache and pain management prescriptions and regime. Always keep your physician well-advised any self-modifications to the regime the two of you have decided to use to manage your migraine headaches.
Since NSAIDs are not specific to the blood vessels of the brain, and do not treat associated Migraine symptoms, and they can cause gastrointestinal disturbances, they are less frequently prescribed for severe migraine headache. Some over the counter NSAIDs have been repackaged to target migraine headache sufferers, such as with Advil Migraine. Although these NSAIDs may look like a new Migraine OTC (over-the-counter-medication), they are not, but are rather an effective OTC treatment for use with mild and mild-to-moderate migraines for some migrainers. Please advise your health care practitioner when you add these and any other OTC medicines to your headache and pain management prescriptions and regime. Always keep your physician well-advised any self-modifications to the regime the two of you have decided to use to manage your migraine headaches.
Hypnotherapy can be used be treat migraine headaches and ome some studies have shown that hypnosis can be as effective as medication in treating migraine headaches.
A migraine headache is a type of vascular, or muscle contraction headache that includes abnormal muscle contractions of the head. Migraine headaches are usually marked by severe pain on one or both sides of the head, an upset stomach, and, at times, visual disturbances. Women are 3 times more likely than men to have migraine headaches. Migraine headaches are a type of vascular, or muscle contraction headache, that appear to involve the abnormal, involuntary tightening or tensing of facial and neck muscles. Migraine headaches do not usually require medical attention, in spite of their intensity of pain and disturbance of regular, day-to-day activities, but some headaches may signal a more serious disorder and call for medical attention.
Migraine is an intense form of headache that usually disrupts the daily functions of life for the duration of the migraine, and possibly for 1 to 2 more days after the pain subsides. Migraines usually last from 4 to 72 hours, and can occur as frequently as every day or as rarely as once a year. Migraines affect as many as 24 million people in the United States; 16 million of those affected are women. Migraine headaches are responsible for the loss of billions of dollars annually in lost work, poor job performance, and direct medical costs. Approximately 18% of women and 6% of men will experience at least one migraine attack per year. More than three million women and one million men have one or more severe headaches each month. Migraines usually start in adolescence, and are rare after age 60. While the cause of migraine is not known, it is believed to have a hormonal and genetic component due the higher number of women who experience migraine headache, and the frequent concurrence of onset of migraines with puberty.
Two types of migraine headaches are recognized by the medical community. Eighty percent of migraine sufferers experience a "migraine without aura,” formerly called “common migraine.” In “migraine with aura," formerly called “classic migraine,” pain is preceded or accompanied by visual or other sensory disturbances, including seeing bright flashing lights and zigzag lines, partial obstruction of the visual field, numbness or tingling of the arms or legs, and a feeling of heaviness in the muscles. Symptoms are often more pronounced on one side of the body, and may begin as early as 72 hours before the onset of pain, with fatigue and exhausting for up to 48 hours after the migraine headache pain has passed.
When should you seek medical attention for headache?
Migraine headaches may last a day or more, and can strike as often as several times a week or as rarely as once every few years. While migraine headaches usually do not require medical attention, some types of headache are signals of more serious disorders and call for prompt medical care. These include: sudden, severe headache or sudden headache associated with a stiff neck; headaches associated with fever, convulsions, or accompanied by confusion or loss of consciousness; headaches following a blow to the head, or associated with pain in the eye or ear; persistent headache in a person who was previously headache free, and recurring headaches in children. Please see your health care provider if you or your child experiences these types of headaches.
The actions of Chinese herbs will not be as immediate, direct or usually as specific as medications. The following are some of the medicinal properties of the most commonly prescribed herbal medicine combinations that are used to treat migraine headache in Chinese herbal medicine formula. For a migraine sufferer with severe pain, a frequency of 2 or more times per month, audio-visual disturbances, sleep disturbances, and possible renal or primary hypertension:
The medicinal actions of herbs are very similar to the medical approach, however there are fewer side-effects associated with the use of Chinese herbal medicine. When trying Chinese herbal medicine, it is important to establish a relationship between your Chinese herbal medicine and primary care providers. Chinese herbal medicines are very targeted and potent and can make your migraine medications more active and work better by increasing their potency in your body. Therefore, they should only be taken under medical supervision with careful observation and appropriate adjustment of medication dosages as determined by your health care provider.
Chinese herbs are usually prescribed by the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) physician after thorough pattern discrimination and diagnosis determining the cause of the migraine headaches has been made. Then, a “formula” or combination of herbs is given to the migraine patient that addresses the cause and the symptoms of their migraine headaches.
Some states, such as Florida, Arizona, Texas and California license doctors of Traditional Chinese Medicine who practice Chinese herbal medicine as primary care providers, although they do not have a DEA license to prescribe medications.
The actions of Chinese herbs will not be as immediate, direct or usually as specific as medications. The following are some of the medicinal properties of the most commonly prescribed herbal medicine combinations that are used to treat migraine headache in Chinese herbal medicine formula. For a migraine sufferer with severe pain, a frequency of 2 or more times per month, audio-visual disturbances, sleep disturbances, and possible renal or primary hypertension:
The medicinal actions of herbs are very similar to the medical approach, however there are fewer side-effects associated with the use of Chinese herbal medicine. When trying Chinese herbal medicine, it is important to establish a relationship between your Chinese herbal medicine and primary care providers. Chinese herbal medicines are very targeted and potent and can make your migraine medications more active and work better by increasing their potency in your body. Therefore, they should only be taken under medical supervision with careful observation and appropriate adjustment of medication dosages as determined by your health care provider.
The actions of Chinese herbs will not be as immediate, direct or usually as specific as medications. The following are some of the medicinal properties of the most commonly prescribed herbal medicine combinations that are used to treat migraine headache in Chinese herbal medicine formula. For a migraine sufferer with severe pain, a frequency of 2 or more times per month, audio-visual disturbances, sleep disturbances, and possible renal or primary hypertension:
The medicinal actions of herbs are very similar to the medical approach, however there are fewer side-effects associated with the use of Chinese herbal medicine. When trying Chinese herbal medicine, it is important to establish a relationship between your Chinese herbal medicine and primary care providers. Chinese herbal medicines are very targeted and potent and can make your migraine medications more active and work better by increasing their potency in your body. Therefore, they should only be taken under medical supervision with careful observation and appropriate adjustment of medication dosages as determined by your health care provider. Some states, such as Florida, Arizona, Texas and California license doctors of Traditional Chinese Medicine who practice Chinese herbal medicine as primary care providers, although they do not have a DEA license to prescribe medications.
Chinese herbal medicine has thousands of scientific studies and research to support its use for many diseases including migraines. The actions of Chinese herbs will not be as immediate, direct or usually as specific as medications. The following are some of the medicinal properties of the most commonly prescribed herbal medicine combinations that are used to treat migraine headache in Chinese herbal medicine formula. For a migraine sufferer with severe pain, a frequency of 2 or more times per month, audio-visual disturbances, sleep disturbances, and possible renal or primary hypertension:
The medicinal actions of herbs are very similar to the medical approach, however there are fewer side-effects associated with the use of Chinese herbal medicine. When trying Chinese herbal medicine, it is important to establish a relationship between your Chinese herbal medicine and primary care providers. Chinese herbal medicines are very targeted and potent and can make your migraine medications more active and work better by increasing their potency in your body. Therefore, they should only be taken under medical supervision with careful observation and appropriate adjustment of medication dosages as determined by your health care provider.
A migraine headache is a type of vascular, or muscle contraction headache that includes abnormal muscle contractions of the head. Migraine headaches are usually marked by severe pain on one or both sides of the head, an upset stomach, and, at times, visual disturbances. Women are 3 times more likely than men to have migraine headaches. Migraine headaches are a type of vascular, or muscle contraction headache, that appear to involve the abnormal, involuntary tightening or tensing of facial and neck muscles. Migraine headaches do not usually require medical attention, in spite of their intensity of pain and disturbance of regular, day-to-day activities, but some headaches may signal a more serious disorder and call for medical attention.
Migraine is an intense form of headache that usually disrupts the daily functions of life for the duration of the migraine, and possibly for 1 to 2 more days after the pain subsides. Migraines usually last from 4 to 72 hours, and can occur as frequently as every day or as rarely as once a year. Migraines affect as many as 24 million people in the United States; 16 million of those affected are women. Migraine headaches are responsible for the loss of billions of dollars annually in lost work, poor job performance, and direct medical costs. Approximately 18% of women and 6% of men will experience at least one migraine attack per year. More than three million women and one million men have one or more severe headaches each month. Migraines usually start in adolescence, and are rare after age 60. While the cause of migraine is not known, it is believed to have a hormonal and genetic component due the higher number of women who experience migraine headache, and the frequent concurrence of onset of migraines with puberty.
Two types of migraine headaches are recognized by the medical community. Eighty percent of migraine sufferers experience a "migraine without aura,” formerly called “common migraine.” In “migraine with aura," formerly called “classic migraine,” pain is preceded or accompanied by visual or other sensory disturbances, including seeing bright flashing lights and zigzag lines, partial obstruction of the visual field, numbness or tingling of the arms or legs, and a feeling of heaviness in the muscles. Symptoms are often more pronounced on one side of the body, and may begin as early as 72 hours before the onset of pain, with fatigue and exhausting for up to 48 hours after the migraine headache pain has passed.
When should you seek medical attention for headache?
Migraine headaches may last a day or more, and can strike as often as several times a week or as rarely as once every few years. While migraine headaches usually do not require medical attention, some types of headache are signals of more serious disorders and call for prompt medical care. These include: sudden, severe headache or sudden headache associated with a stiff neck; headaches associated with fever, convulsions, or accompanied by confusion or loss of consciousness; headaches following a blow to the head, or associated with pain in the eye or ear; persistent headache in a person who was previously headache free, and recurring headaches in children. Please see your health care provider if you or your child experiences these types of headaches.
References:
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. 2009. Headache: Hope Through Research. (Online) http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/headache/headache.htm accessed 02.22.2010
Kim A. Sharp, MLn. 2008. Migraine. (Online) http://www.answers.com/topic/migraine accessed 02.22.2010
Since headaches and muscle contraction have a strong relationship, various types of bodywork can be helpful in relieving muscular spams that occur between the base of the skull and along the top of the shoulders. Releasing the muscular tension results in normalizing the neurovascular system. These types of bodyworks include Feldenkrais Method, Alexander Technique, the Trager Approach, craniosacral massage and polarity therapy.2These approaches require the help of professionals that specialize in these techniques.
Migraine Headaches can also be relieved with the use of effective self-help approaches such as acupressure and yoga. These techniques can relieve muscular tension and create a flow of blood and energy to the head, causing a relief in the headache.
References:
1) Baxter Bell, M.D., R.Y.T. 2010 Postures for Migraine Headaches (Online) http://www.yogajournal.com/practice/974
2) Alternative Medicine, Burton Goldberg, 2002
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