Migraines are severe headaches that may last for a significant period of time, sometimes as long as several days. Symptoms of a migraine include head pain that throbs, light sensitivity, sound sensitivity, nausea and vomiting. Migraines are a chronic problem. Treatment by a physician can help to prevent and manage symptoms.
Types
Medications are available by prescription to treat migraines. Beta blockers, antidepressants and calcium channel blockers are examples of drugs given to prevent migraines.
When an attack is occurring, the severity may be lessened through the use of either cerebral vasoconstrictor abortive agents or non-vasoconstrictor abortive agents. Cerebral vasoconstrictor abortive agents control migraines by narrowing the blood vessels. Non-vasoconstrictor abortive agents do not narrow the blood vessels to stop migraine pain, but instead use narcotics to provide relief.
Identification
Keep a headache diary to find patterns in what brings on a migraine attack. At home, relief can also be found by sleeping at least six to eight hours nightly and finding a quiet and dark room to rest during a migraine attack. Ice wrapped in a towel and applied directly to the head for 15-minute intervals may provide some relief.
Prevention/Solution
Part of finding relief is to prevent a migraine from coming on. You may find that there are certain triggers that may bring on an attack. If certain foods cause migraines, avoid these food items. Stress may cause you to experience a migraine, so keep stress under control by performing calming activities, such as yoga and meditation. According to the Mayo Clinic, women may want to talk to their doctors about reducing their exposure to estrogen. This may include not using birth control pills or hormone replacement therapies.
Theories/Speculation
If you are a chronic migraine sufferer, alternative medicine may be the cure. The Mayo Clinic states that massage, biofeedback and acupuncture are all effective therapies used to treat migraines. Acupuncture involves the insertion of needles into pressure points to relive pain. Biofeedback is a type of alternative medicine that teaches you to control your body's physical responses with your mind. Massage can help improve your sleeping habits, which may reduce migraines.
Considerations
Herbal supplements are available to provide relief from migraines. Feverfew leaf, magnesium and vitamin B2 are supplements recommended by the National Migraine Association. As preventative care, 400 mg of both magnesium and vitamin B2 are recommended on a daily basis by the organization.
