Migraine headache relief

 

migraine

A severe, recurrent, throbbing headache which usually affects either the right or left part of the head (almost never both sides) is called a migraine headache. The migraine usually lasts between two hours or three days. The pain often starting with visual disturbances—a flickering before the eyes, flashes of light, or blind spots in the vision. Nausea and vomiting often accompany the severe head pain.

These headaches usually begin in people between 10 and 30 years old. Migraines can occur anywhere from once per week to once or twice per year. Although the exact cause of migraines is unknown, there are numerous factors which can trigger the release of chemicals in the bloodstream which result in a migraine. Stress, excitement, shock and physical exertion (lack of sleep) may instigate migraines, but some people find that during restful periods like weekends (too much sleep) they tend to have migraines. Hormonal changes in women (use of contraceptive medications) and menstruation, pregnancy or menopause may provoke an attack.

Foods like cheese, chocolate, some canned, pickled and seasoned foods (including MSG seasoning), the artificial sweetener aspartame, foods preserved with sodium nitrite, drugs like alcohol (especially red wine), caffeine, tobacco and some medications are the usual suspects. On the other hand, fasting has been shown to trigger migraines too. Weather changes, bright light or pleasant and unpleasant scents have been implicated in the onset of migraines. Hereditary connections (migraine running in the family) are being investigated since many people with migraines have close family members who have the condition.

Migraine relief treatment

There is no specific cure for migraines. Avoiding the known triggers for migraines is an important treatment approach. Carefully planned exercise and relaxation techniques may be helpful too.There are two main treatment regimes which have different objectives:

Once the migraine has started, these drugs are used to stop it in its track within hours, and/or to relieve the pain. The simple Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) like ibuprofen (Advil, Las-Ibuprofen) or aspirin relieve mild migraines. Combinations of ingredients like paracetamol, aspirin and caffeine (Excedrin Migraine) are useful for moderate migraine pain. However, preparations with caffeine should be used with caution for migraine, as caffeine is itself a trigger for migraines.

When the above products are not sufficient to relieve migraine pain, we step up to the Triptans. Serotonin Receptor Agonists also called Triptans act specifically to reduce the widening of blood vessels in the brain which causes the migraine pain

Eletriptan (Relpax) - no more than 80mg over 24 hours should be consumed.

Sumatriptan (Imigran) - maximum 300mg to be taken over 24 hours.

Zolmitriptan (Zomig) - no more than 10mg, should be taken in 24 hours.

The versatile ergots

Combinations of ergot drugs and caffeine (Cafergot, Tonopan) are useful in preventing migraines and treating them after they have started. However, the newer drugs (above) are more effective and may carry fewer side .

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