If you have migraines, you know how miserable it can be to withdraw from work and social functions while staying in a dark room, nauseated and in pain. There are powerful medications available to treat migraines, but they have side effects, including more headaches resulting from medication overuse. Bridge therapy for migraines uses temporary medications as a step toward effecting a permanent reduction in migraine episodes.
Definition
Bridge therapy is a medical term for weaning people off harmful dependencies on medication by substituting a less harmful, temporary medication. The idea is to work with the patient on a lifestyle change that results in permanent reduction of migraine episodes, using the bridge therapy as a way to prevent painful symptoms. Bridge therapy can last several weeks or months; each patient is unique in his response.
Medication Overuse
On cause of chronic migraines is dependency on painkilling drugs. According to the American Headache Society, an estimated two-thirds of medication-onset headaches occur in chronic migraine sufferers. The most common classes of prescribed drugs for migraine are opioids, triptans, ergots and butalbitals. The problem is that many migraines rebound when the sufferer withdraws from these drugs, so you may not be able to quit using them "cold turkey."
Nerve Blocks and Analgesics
Common bridge medications for migraines are long-acting NSAIDs like naproxin sodium, or combinations of NSAIDs with more intensive drugs. Temporary nerve blockers, especially for the backside -- or occipital lobe -- of the skull can be a great relief. In severe cases, a switch from one type of intensive drug to another, such as an opioid to an ergot, may be recommended. Your migraine patterns, intensity, and duration will be taken into account by your doctor in setting up bridge therapy.
Lifestyle Changes
Migraine patients on bridge therapy are counseled to eat fewer processed foods, reduce alcohol and cigarette consumption, and avoid trigger foods such as chocolate and nuts. You may need to address such contributing factors as sleep apnea, obesity and alcoholism with lifestyle modifications. It can be a challenge to change your life, but the reduction in migraines is a powerful incentive.
