Migraine Headache Treatment
Migraine Headache Treatment
Medical Treatment
Treatment for migraine headaches can relieve the pain and symptoms of a migraine and prevent
further migraine headaches.
Migraines can be treated with a couple approaches: abortive and preventive.
Abortive: The goal of the abortive therapy is to prevent a migraine headache or to stop it once it
starts. The medications stop the headache during its prodrome stage or once it has begun and
may be taken as needed. Some can be taken as a self-injection; others, as a wafer that melts on
the tongue. These forms of medication are especially useful for people who vomit during a
migraine, and they very work quickly.
Abortive treatment medications include the triptans, which specifically target serotonin. They
are all very similar in their action and chemical structure. The triptans are used only to treat
headache pain and do not relieve pain from back problems, arthritis, menstruation, or other
conditions.
MORE RECOMMENDATIONS
Acute Migraine Treatment
Despite advances in the treatment of migraine over the past years, many doctors have not
significantly changed their approach to managing migraine. Nearly 60% of persons having
migraines continue to use over-the-counter (OTC) remedies exclusively to manage their
headaches, despite a rise in the number of physician-diagnosed migraines. Many of these
diagnosed patients still report major suffering, highlighting the need for appropriate migraine
treatment in the management of headache patients.
Effective migraine treatment begins with diagnosis and a thorough understanding of the impact
a primary headache has on the patient's daily life. Clinicians should be aware of the use and the
effectiveness of previous and current treatments, bearing in mind that both prescription and
OTC products have the potential for exacerbating underlying headache patterns. When a
diagnosis is established, it is essential to take the time to explain the condition to patients.
Reassuring patients that their headaches are not caused by something life-threatening, such as
a brain tumor or an aneurysm, is an important part of the treatment process. Just as important,
patients need to know that you know their condition is real and that you are committed to
working closely with them to develop a treatment strategy that will help them regain control of
their lives. The following 5-step acute treatment strategy is recommended by the Primary Care
Network and is endorsed by the National Headache Foundation:
1. Identify components of migraine symptomatology that allow for intervention as early as
possible in the migraine process.
2. Select the best pharmacologic options for each patient.
3. Instruct patients in the proper use of their medications.
4. Encourage use of a headache diary to monitor treatment and medication usage.
5. Provide information resources for patient education.
What are the types of Migraine Headache Medication Click to find out.