Migraine Headache Treatment

Simple Aspirin or Designer Medication

During a recent visit to our local emergency room, I sat near the bed of a young woman who was receiving migraine headache treatment. I learned that migraine headaches commonly send people to emergency departments or doctor’s offices.

The root cause of a migraine headache is likely the constriction of blood vessels that supply blood to your brain. Serotonin may also be involved, since it is released from the nerve fibers that surround those blood vessels. To right the problem, certain arteries within your brain may dilate, better accommodating your oxygen supply.

The result is a migraine headache that may last from 4 to 72 hours or more. You might need migraine headache treatment every day, or you might need it only once a year. If you live in the U.S., you are among 15 per cent of the population that needs migraine headache treatment. If you are a woman, you are three times as likely as a man to have a migraine headache. Usually, other members of your family also have migraines, as it seems to be genetic.

Migraine Headache Treatment – #1

You will probably be able to manage a mild or moderate migraine attack at home. Try placing a cold compress on the affected area. Go to a cool, dark room to reduce light stimulation. Shut out as much noise as possible. Lie down with pillows under your head and neck to provide comfortable support. Breathe deeply and evenly. Focus on a beach, lake, or mountain scene you love and try to relax.

Migraine Headache Treatment – #2

If your headache does not respond to the simple treatment above, add an over-the-counter (OTC) medication such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen. Do not use acetaminophen if you have liver problems. Do not use acetaminophen if you consume three or more alcoholic beverages a day.

Migraine Headache Treatment – #3

Over-the-counter (OTC) combination medications may be even more helpful. Excedrin Migraine contains both aspirin and acetaminophen in combination with caffeine. The combination attacks your pain with triple force.

Migraine Headache Treatment – #4

“Designer medications’ also are available. Some of these are specifically designed for treating migraines, go by names such as ergotamine, sumatriptan, and rizatriptan – and provide nearly instantaneous relief. Others are designed to prevent migraines, and must be taken daily to reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.

Begin with the most conservative treatment, and ask your physician’s advice if you do not get relief. Migraine headache treatment is available.