Migraine Treatment

Migraine is a common health condition that typically (but not always) involves severe throbbing headache, often on one side of the head. You may also experience other symptoms besides headache, such as nausea, vomiting, and increased sensitivity to light or sound. Migraines can be classified into three main types:

• Migraine without aura: The most common type.
• Migraine with aura: Includes warning symptoms before the headache begins.
• Silent migraine (Migraine aura without headache): Aura symptoms occur without the headache.

An "aura" is a temporary neurological disturbance that occurs before or during a migraine headache, often manifesting as flashing lights, shimmering, or blind spots in vision.

For those with migraine without aura, there are no warning signs before the headache develops.

The most common symptom of migraine is a severe headache that can last for several days. Other accompanying symptoms include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Increased sensitivity to light or sound

In some cases, additional symptoms may occur during the headache, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, dizziness, sweating, difficulty concentrating, or abnormal chills or hot flashes.

Migraine Aura Warning Signs

Aura is a temporary warning that occurs before or during the onset of a migraine headache. These symptoms may include:

• Seeing flashing lights, blind spots, or patterns in vision
• Tingling or numbness, usually starting in one hand and spreading up the arm to the face, lips, and tongue
• Difficulty speaking
• Dizziness
• Hearing problems

Studies show that about 1 in 3 migraine sufferers experience these warning signs, which typically develop gradually over 5 minutes and can last up to an hour.

Other Migraine Warning Signs

Some people may experience the following before the headache begins:

• Stiff neck
• Frequent urination
• Extreme fatigue
• Frequent yawning
• Sudden mood changes
• Increased thirst or cravings for certain foods

Difference Between Migraine and Regular Headache

The key difference is that migraines are much more severe than regular headaches. Compared to normal headaches, migraines are:

• Intense in pain
• Debilitating, affecting daily activities
• Longer lasting

Choosing the right migraine pain relievers or migraine medications is crucial for managing these symptoms effectively.

The most common symptom of migraine is a severe headache that can last for several days. Other accompanying symptoms include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Increased sensitivity to light or sound

In some cases, additional symptoms may occur during the headache, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, dizziness, sweating, difficulty concentrating, or abnormal chills or hot flashes.

Migraine Aura Warning Signs

Aura is a temporary warning that occurs before or during the onset of a migraine headache. These symptoms may include:

• Seeing flashing lights, blind spots, or patterns in vision
• Tingling or numbness, usually starting in one hand and spreading up the arm to the face, lips, and tongue
• Difficulty speaking
• Dizziness
• Hearing problems

Studies show that about 1 in 3 migraine sufferers experience these warning signs, which typically develop gradually over 5 minutes and can last up to an hour.

Other Migraine Warning Signs

Some people may experience the following before the headache begins:

• Stiff neck
• Frequent urination
• Extreme fatigue
• Frequent yawning
• Sudden mood changes
• Increased thirst or cravings for certain foods

Difference Between Migraine and Regular Headache

The key difference is that migraines are much more severe than regular headaches. Compared to normal headaches, migraines are:

• Intense in pain
• Debilitating, affecting daily activities
• Longer lasting

Choosing the right migraine pain relievers or migraine medications is crucial for managing these symptoms effectively.

There are several ways to treat migraines, including using over-the-counter pain relievers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, prescription medications from specialists, and lifestyle changes. Additionally, anti-emetic medications can help relieve nausea and vomiting, which often accompany migraines.

At Intimo Life, we make it easy for you to order migraine medications online. After filling out a short form about your symptoms, our doctors will review your case and issue a prescription if appropriate, with fast delivery to your chosen address.

Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

Pain relievers available without a prescription, such as paracetamol, aspirin, and ibuprofen, should be taken as soon as migraine symptoms begin to allow the body time to absorb the medication. Waiting until the pain becomes severe may reduce the medication’s effectiveness.

Water-soluble tablets can relieve pain faster because they are absorbed more quickly, making them suitable for those experiencing nausea or vomiting.

However, be cautious about overusing painkillers, as this can cause medication overuse headaches. Doctors recommend not using painkillers more than 15 days per month. If you have concerns about medication use, consult your doctor.

Triptans

Triptans are prescription medications for migraine treatment, available in tablet, injection, or nasal spray forms. Also known as 5-HT1 agonists, they work by stimulating serotonin production, causing blood vessels to constrict and helping to stop headache pain within 30 minutes to 1 hour after taking.

Choosing the Best Migraine Treatment

The best migraine treatment is to take medication immediately when symptoms start. Delaying treatment until symptoms worsen may lead to more severe pain. Therefore, it is advisable to keep migraine medication close at hand for immediate use when symptoms appear.

Since individuals respond differently to treatments, finding the right approach may take time and experimentation. Sometimes, medications that worked well before may become less effective later. Consult your doctor to understand all available options and choose the treatment that best fits your health, lifestyle, and current medications.

Prescription migraine medications may not be suitable for everyone. It is important to inform your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

• Severe liver problems
• Reduced kidney function or are undergoing dialysis
• Are under 18 years old
• Are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant

Additionally, please inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medications, as they may affect the effectiveness of migraine treatments or cause drug interactions:

• Other migraine medications
• Antidepressants such as SSRIs, SNRIs, or MAOIs
• Itraconazole and Clarithromycin (antifungal or antibacterial medications)
• Ritonavir and Efavirenz (HIV treatments)
• St. John’s Wort (herbal supplement)
• Bosentan (used to treat high blood pressure)
• Phenobarbital (used to treat epilepsy)
• Rifampicin (used to treat tuberculosis)
• Modafinil (used to treat narcolepsy)

Understanding which factors trigger your migraine symptoms can help you better prevent attacks. The first important step is to keep a daily diary of the foods you eat and activities you do before symptoms begin, to identify your personal triggers.

Additionally, doctors recommend maintaining a healthy lifestyle to reduce the chances of migraines, including:

• Getting enough sleep and rest
• Exercising regularly
• Drinking enough water to prevent dehydration
• Eating nutritious meals on time
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Limiting caffeine and alcohol intake

In some cases, you may need preventive medication, especially if you experience headaches more than once a week and have tried avoiding known triggers but still have symptoms. You should consult your doctor to discuss options for long-term migraine prevention medications.

Currently, there is no complete cure for migraine. However, you can manage the symptoms through appropriate treatment, understanding your triggers, and making lifestyle changes. These steps can reduce the frequency and severity of attacks and, in some cases, help prevent recurrence as long as you maintain healthy habits consistently.

Healthy lifestyle practices to help manage migraine symptoms include:

• Eating a nutritious and hygienic diet
• Exercising regularly
• Drinking enough water throughout the day
• Getting sufficient sleep and rest
• Reducing caffeine and alcohol intake

Using migraine medications alongside these self-care measures can help you control symptoms and improve your quality of life.