Once you submit to a healthcare professional for treatment of your migraine headaches they will probably mention that there are two approaches to treatment that are commonly taken: abortive and preventive.
The Abortive Approach
It may be a little confusing to describe an abortive approach to treatment as an effort to either prevent a migraine from occurring or an effort to stop a migraine once it has started. The “once it has started” part makes more sense. One should remember or note however that the prodrome phase of a migraine basically provides a feeling that the more dramatic latter stages of a migraine are about to occur. Treating the patient with the medications listed below can sometimes stave off the occurrence of the other migraine phases.
Medications can include the triptans that use serotonin activities and constriction of blood vessels for relief. They are effective only for headache and don’t address back pain, arthritic conditions or menstruation issues.
Non-triptan medications can also affect serotonin and other brain chemicals. They have been known to provide relief when triptan can’t. Drugs used to combat nausea may also alleviate headaches. Weak narcotics have been used for relief of migraine symptoms, but along with relief they bring the possibility of addiction. They are best employed on an emergency basis when other medications have proven to be ineffective.
The Preventive Approach
If a migraine sufferer experiences more than one episode a week a truly preventive approach should be tried. The object of this course of treatment is lessening the frequency and intensity the migraines that may occur. Daily consumption of medication sets preventive approaches apart from abortive approaches. Patients need not be symptomatic at all when medication is taken.
Preventive treatment medications can include high blood pressure medication, beta-blockers, antidepressants, anti-seizure medications, certain antihistamines and anti-allergy drugs.
Non-drug Approaches
• Avoid self medicating with substances that have not been sanctioned by your doctor.
• Reduce or eliminate the causes of emotional stress. Investigate and utilize relaxation techniques like breathing exercises and muscle relaxation methods.
• Treat your body better by ensuring that you get adequate amounts of sleep.
• Try stretching more frequently if your occupation or routines are sedentary.
• Exercise on a regular basis. An absolute minimum for a healthy person who has consulted with their doctor would be 20 to 30 minutes of vigorous exercise at least three times a week.
• Stick to routines; especially those that involve eating and sleeping. Try to schedule meals around the same time every day.
• If you smoke, you should give it up. Your physician will likely be glad to help you in this.
• Try reducing or eliminating caffeine and see how it affects your migraines.
• Pay attention to what seems to trigger your migraines. Take notes and seriously consider keeping a diary.
• Pay attention to your body. Women in particular may be able to predict at least some of their migraine based on their menstrual cycles and possibly take medications designed to prevent migraine occurrences if advised by their doctors to do so.