You are at work, when suddenly, you start seeing zigzags in your line of vision and begin to feel a throbbing, dull, constant pain in one of your temples. You ask your boss if you can leave early because you are feeling very nauseous. Once at home, you shut off all the lights and avoid loud sounds. You are experiencing the classic signs of a migraine. According to Medline Plus, 11 out of 100 people in the United States experience this debilitating condition. If you are among them, you can take specific steps to help stop a migraine.
Step 1
Buy over-the-counter medications, such as aspirin, naproxen sodium or acetaminophen, to help decrease migraine pain. Be careful to read the package directions. Certain types of over-the-counter pain relievers can lead to liver damage and stomach problems. Call your doctor if you are concerned about such side effects.
Step 2
If over-the-counter drugs don't help, ask your doctor to prescribe a pain medication, such as triptans, ergots, bultabital combinations, opiates or corticosteroids. Triptans decrease migraine pain, nausea and sensitivity to noise and bright lights. Ergots are cheaper than triptans and also work to decrease migraine symptoms. Bultabital is an addicting sedative, usually combined with aspirin, and can cause rebound headaches and withdrawal symptoms. Opiates are addictive narcotics used to decrease migraine attacks and are considered the last resort to treat this condition. Corticosteroids are used to treat long-lasting migraines. All these medications may be available in tablet, nasal spray or injection form. Discuss with your doctor which treatment option is best for you.
Step 3
Go to an acupuncturist to relieve migraine symptoms. Acupuncture involves placing up to 20 tiny needles into certain areas of your skin. According to the Mayo Clinic, your central nervous system (composed of your brain and spinal cord) will release chemicals to control your pain. Many acupuncture sessions are necessary to see results.
Step 4
Go to a physical therapist and obtain biofeedback treatment. This is a type of relaxation method, where you learn to control the way your body reacts to pain. For example, you can learn to control your heart rate and muscle tension.
Step 5
Get hypnotherapy treatment. The hypnotist might ask you to imagine that you are at a calm place, such as a beach, when your headache begins. This might help stop your migraine symptoms.
Step 6
Meditate and do yoga. In meditation, you will focus on one task, such as breathing. This can relax you and stop a migraine from occurring. Yoga involves meditation and body movement.
Step 7
Go to a massage therapist. A massage can significantly reduce the tension in your neck, back and shoulders and stop a migraine.
Step 8
At your local health-food store or pharmacy, purchase over-the-counter dietary supplements such as magnesium, 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), riboflavin and coenzyme Q10. These supplements can help stop a migraine. Check with your doctor before taking these supplements.
Step 9
Talk to your doctor about botox injections to treat your migraines. Botox is normally used as a cosmetic procedure to decrease wrinkles. However, it also could work on nerve fibers and decrease the perception of pain you experience when you have a migraine.
Things You'll Need
- Over-the-counter pain medications, such as aspirin, naproxen sodium, acetaminophen
- Prescription-strength pain medication, such as triptans or ergots
- Dietary supplements, including riboflavin, coQ10, magnesium and 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
