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Diseases » Migraine » Treatments
 

Treatments for Migraine

Contents
  1. Migraine: Introduction
  2. Treatment list for Migraine
  3. Alternative Treatments
  4. Latest treatments for Migraine
  5. News about treatments
  6. Discussion of treatments for Migraine
  7. Buy Products Related to Treatments for Migraine
  8. Migraine: Introduction

Treatments for Migraine

The list of treatments mentioned in various sources for Migraine includes the following list. Always seek professional medical advice about any treatment or change in treatment plans.

Migraine: Is the Diagnosis Correct?

The first step in getting correct treatment is to get a correct diagnosis. Differential diagnosis list for Migraine may include:

Hidden causes of Migraine may be incorrectly diagnosed:

  • Genetic causes - autosomal dominance
  • Secondary to brain dysfunction
  • Depolarization theory
  • Vascular theory
  • Family history of migraine headaches (70-80%)
  • Medications (ie, birth control pills, vasodilators)
  • more causes...»

Migraine: Marketplace Products, Discounts & Offers

Products, offers and promotion categories available for Migraine:

Curable Types of Migraine

Possibly curable types of Migraine may include:

Migraine: Research Doctors & Specialists

Research all specialists including ratings, affiliations, and sanctions.

Drugs and Medications used to treat Migraine:

Note:You must always seek professional medical advice about any prescription drug, OTC drug, medication, treatment or change in treatment plans.

Some of the different medications used in the treatment of Migraine include:

  • Excedrin
  • Excedrin Extra Strength Geltabs
  • Excedrin Migraine
  • Ergotamine
  • Bellamine
  • Bellaspas
  • Bellergal
  • Bellergal-S
  • Bellergal Spacetabs
  • Cafergot
  • Cafergot P-B
  • Cafetrate
  • Drummergal
  • Duragal-S
  • Ercaf
  • Ergobel
  • Ergocaf
  • Ergodryl
  • Ergomar
  • Ergostat
  • Genergen
  • Gravergol
  • Gynergen
  • Medihaler Ergotamine
  • Megral
  • Oxoid
  • Phenerbrel-S
  • Spastrin
  • Wigraine
  • Wigrettes
  • Methysergide
  • Sansert
  • Propionic Acid
  • Advil Migraine
  • Propranolol
  • Apo-Propranolol
  • Betachron
  • Detensol
  • Inderal
  • Inderal-LA
  • Inderide
  • Inderide LA
  • Ipran
  • Novo-Pranol
  • PMS Propranolol
  • Rizatriptan
  • Maxalt
  • Maxalt-MLT
  • Maxalt RPD
  • Sumatriptan
  • Imitrex
  • Imitrex Nasal Spray
  • Valproic Acid
  • Alti-Valproic
  • Apo-Divalproic
  • Apo-Valproic
  • Atemperator
  • Depa
  • Depakene
  • Depakote
  • Depakote ER
  • Deproic
  • Epival
  • Myproic
  • Novo-Divalproex
  • Novo-Valproic
  • Nu-Valproic
  • Rhoproic
  • Valproic
  • Acetaminophen, Aspirin and Caffeine
  • Excedrin Extra Strength
  • Fem-Prin
  • Genaced
  • Goody's Extra Strength Headache Powder
  • Goody's Extra Strength Pain Relief
  • Pain-Off
  • Vanquish Extra Strength Pain Reliever
  • Acetaminophen, Isometheptene and Dichloralphenazone
  • I.D.A
  • Midrin
  • Migrin-A
  • Almotriptan
  • Axert
  • Dihydroergotamine
  • D.H.E. 45
  • Migranal
  • Eletriptan
  • Relpax
  • Frovatriptan
  • Frova
  • Naratriptan
  • Amerge
  • Naramig
  • Sumatriptan Succinate
  • Imigran
  • Topiramate
  • Topamax

Unlabeled Drugs and Medications to treat Migraine:

Unlabelled alternative drug treatments for Migraine include:

Latest treatments for Migraine:

The following are some of the latest treatments for Migraine:

Hospital statistics for Migraine:

These medical statistics relate to hospitals, hospitalization and Migraine:

  • 0.72% (92,012) of hospital episodes were for Epilepsy, migraine and other episodic disorders in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
  • 82% of hospital consultations for Epilepsy, migraine and other episodic disorders required hospital admission in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
  • 53% of hospital episodes for Epilepsy, migraine and other episodic disorders were for men in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
  • 47% of hospital episodes for Epilepsy, migraine and other episodic disorders were for women in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
  • 73% of hospital admissions for Epilepsy, migraine and other episodic disorders required emergency hospital admission in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
  • more hospital information...»

Medical news summaries about treatments for Migraine:

The following medical news items are relevant to treatment of Migraine:

Discussion of treatments for Migraine:

Headache - Hope Through Research: NINDS (Excerpt)

Drug therapy, biofeedback training, stress reduction, and elimination of certain foods from the diet are the most common methods of preventing and controlling migraine and other vascular headaches. Joan, the migraine sufferer, was helped by treatment with a combination of an antimigraine drug and diet control.

Regular exercise, such as swimming or vigorous walking, can also reduce the frequency and severity of migraine headaches. Joan found that whirlpool and yoga baths helped her relax.

During a migraine headache, temporary relief can sometimes be obtained by applying cold packs to the head or by pressing on the bulging artery found in front of the ear on the painful side of the head.

Drug therapy. There are two ways to approach the treatment of migraine headache with drugs: prevent the attacks, or relieve symptoms after the headache occurs.

For infrequent migraine, drugs can be taken at the first sign of a headache in order to stop it or to at least ease the pain. People who get occasional mild migraine may benefit by taking aspirin or acetaminophen at the start of an attack. Aspirin raises a person's tolerance to pain and also discourages clumping of blood platelets. Small amounts of caffeine may be useful if taken in the early stages of migraine. But for most migraine sufferers who get moderate to severe headaches, and for all cluster headache patients (see section "Besides Migraine, What Are Other Types of Vascular Headaches?"), stronger drugs may be necessary to control the pain.

Several drugs for the prevention of migraine have been developed in recent years, including serotonin agonists which mimic the action of this key brain chemical. One of the most commonly used drugs for the relief of classic and common migraine symptoms is sumatriptan, which binds to serotonin receptors. For optimal benefit, the drug is taken during the early stages of an attack. If a migraine has been in progress for about an hour after the drug is taken, a repeat dose can be given.

Physicians caution that sumatriptan should not be taken by people who have angina pectoris, basilar migraine, severe hypertension, or vascular, or liver disease.

Another migraine drug is ergotamine tartrate, a vasoconstrictor which helps counteract the painful dilation stage of the headache. Other drugs that constrict dilated blood vessels or help reduce blood vessel inflammation also are available. (Source: excerpt from Headache - Hope Through Research: NINDS)

Headache - Hope Through Research: NINDS (Excerpt)

Biofeedback and relaxation training . Drug therapy for migraine is often combined with biofeedback and relaxation training. Biofeedback refers to a technique that can give people better control over such body function indicators as blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, muscle tension, and brain waves. Thermal biofeedback allows a patient to consciously raise hand temperature. Some patients who are able to increase hand temperature can reduce the number and intensity of migraines. The mechanisms underlying these self-regulation treatments are being studied by research scientists.

"To succeed in biofeedback," says a headache specialist, "you must be able to concentrate and you must be motivated to get well."

A patient learning thermal biofeedback wears a device which transmits the temperature of an index finger or hand to a monitor. While the patient tries to warm his hands, the monitor provides feedback either on a gauge that shows the temperature reading or by emitting a sound or beep that increases in intensity as the temperature increases. The patient is not told how to raise hand temperature, but is given suggestions such as "Imagine your hands feel very warm and heavy."

"I have a good imagination," says one headache sufferer who traded in her medication for thermal biofeedback. The technique decreased the number and severity of headaches she experienced.

In another type of biofeedback called electromyographic or EMG training, the patient learns to control muscle tension in the face, neck, and shoulders.

Either kind of biofeedback may be combined with relaxation training, during which patients learn to relax the mind and body.

Biofeedback can be practiced at home with a portable monitor. But the ultimate goal of treatment is to wean the patient from the machine. The patient can then use biofeedback anywhere at the first sign of a headache. (Source: excerpt from Headache - Hope Through Research: NINDS)

Headache - Hope Through Research: NINDS (Excerpt)

The antimigraine diet . Scientists estimate that a small percentage of migraine sufferers will benefit from a treatment program focused solely on eliminating headache-provoking foods and beverages.

Other migraine patients may be helped by a diet to prevent low blood sugar. Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, can cause headache. This condition can occur after a period without food: overnight, for example, or when a meal is skipped. People who wake up in the morning with a headache may be reacting to the low blood sugar caused by the lack of food overnight.

Treatment for headaches caused by low blood sugar consists of scheduling smaller, more frequent meals for the patient. A special diet designed to stabilize the body's sugar-regulating system is sometimes recommended.

For the same reason, many specialists also recommend that migraine patients avoid oversleeping on weekends. Sleeping late can change the body's normal blood sugar level and lead to a headache. (Source: excerpt from Headache - Hope Through Research: NINDS)

Headache - Hope Through Research: NINDS (Excerpt)

Physicians have many drugs to treat migraine in children. Different classes that may be tried include analgesics, antiemetics, anticonvulsants, beta-blockers, and sedatives. A diet may also be prescribed to protect the child from foods that trigger headache. Sometimes psychological counseling or even psychiatric treatment for the child and the parents is recommended (Source: excerpt from Headache - Hope Through Research: NINDS)

Migraine Update: NINDS (Excerpt)

Medications for migraine may be taken on a daily basis to prevent attacks. Some medications developed for epilepsy and depression may prove to be effective treatment options. Medicines can also be used to relieve pain and restore function during attacks. The most promising of these are drugs called triptans. For some women suffering from migraines, hormone therapy may help. Stress management strategies, such as exercise, relaxation, biofeedback and other therapies designed to help limit discomfort, may also have a place in the migraine treatment arsenal. (Source: excerpt from Migraine Update: NINDS)

MIGRAINE HEADACHES: NWHIC (Excerpt)

At the onset of a migraine, lying down in a dark room with a cold compress can bring relief, along with over-the-counter drugs including acetaminophen or aspirin with caffeine. You may want to talk with your doctor about ways to prevent future migraines. (Source: excerpt from MIGRAINE HEADACHES: NWHIC)

MIGRAINE HEADACHES: NWHIC (Excerpt)

Women with moderate migraines may need prescription drugs for relief. These could include agents that affect neurotransmitters (the chemicals that are the messengers in the brain) such as sumatriptin and various antidepressants. Other drugs might include agents that dilate blood vessels in the brain. In some cases, doctors prescribe painkillers.

Some drugs can be given intranasally, through a transdermal patch (on the skin), oxygen inhalation, and laser therapy to the maxillary nerve.

Because migraine is affected by hormonal fluctuation, estrogen use during the premenstrual period is sometimes helpful. However, ironically, estrogen may also trigger migraines. Women should discuss with their physicians use of estrogen such as oral contraceptives and hormonal therapy for migraines.

To help your doctor find the right treatment for you, keeping a "headache calendar" is important, documenting the time of day, point in your menstrual cycle, your location (at work, at home, at the park, etc.) and your activity when the migraine started. (Source: excerpt from MIGRAINE HEADACHES: NWHIC)

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Book Excerpts: Treatment of Migraine

Treatments of Migraine: Online Medical Books

16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE! Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration, for more information about the treatments of Migraine.

Aura: Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)

  • Migraine
    –Avoid triggers (e.g., alcohol, stress, fatigue)
    –NSAIDs and/or acetaminophen
    –5-HT1 agonists (e.g., sumatriptan) are useful during the
    headache phase and ergotamines (e.g., dihydroergotamine) are effective for status migraines; however, neither are effective to relieve aura
  • Epilepsy
    –Status epilepticus: Stabilize patient and administer IV benzodiazepines and fosphenytoin
    –Antiepileptics if risk for recurrent seizures: Phenytoin, carbamazepine, or valproate for generalized or partial seizures; ethosuximide or valproate for absence seizures; lamotrigine or valproate for mixed seizures

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004

Headache: Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)

  • Tension-type headache: Regular exercise, stress management, tricyclic antidepressants, analgesics
  • Migraine headache: Avoid triggers; serotonin agonists (e.g., sumatriptan), NSAIDs, ergotomines
  • Temporal arteritis: High-dose corticosteroids
    • Meningitis: Search for and treat the primary source (e.g., pneumonia, sinusitis, neoplasm)
      –Urgent antimicrobial administration for infections
      –Treat inflammatory causes with steroids
  • Subarachnoid hemorrhage requires attention to airway, breathing, and circulation, and management of increased intracranial pressure (maintain normal blood pressure; hypertension may cause the aneurysm to rebleed, hypotension may cause cerebral ischemia); administer nimodipine to prevent cerebral vasospasm, seizure prophylaxis with IV phenytoin, surgery
  • Cluster headache: Oxygen inhalation for 5–10 minutes; serotonin agonists, ergotamines, and/or methysergide

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004

Headache: Treatment
(In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)

  • Explanation and reassurance alone may provide relief
  • Avoid triggers
    –Trauma, sunlight, insomnia, stress, diet, dehydration
  • Symptomatic treatment:
    –Acetominophen, NSAIDs, Midrin, Fioricet, Fiorinal
    –Selective serotonin-1 receptor agonists
    –Dihydroergotamine (DHE); Migranal nasal spray
    –Antiemetics
  • Prophylaxis
    –NSAIDs, β-blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, cyproheptadine, calcium channel blockers, antiepileptic drugs, biofeedback
    • Cluster headaches
      –Treated with inhalation of oxygen; sumatriptan
    • Pseudotumor
      –Weight reduction, Diamox
      –Optic nerve sheath decompression or shunting
    >>

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms, 2007

Aura: Emergency interventions
(Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))

When an aura rapidly progresses to the ictal phase of a seizure, quickly evaluate the seizure and be alert for life-threatening complications such as apnea. When an aura heralds a classic migraine, make the patient as comfortable as possible. Place him in a dark, quiet room and administer drugs to prevent the headache, if necessary.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition), 2006

Encephalitis: Treatment (Tx)
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

Anticonvulsants, acyclovir (if viral), glucocorticoids, mannitol, furosemide, supportive care (mild analgesics, bed rest, seizure precautions)

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005

Headache: Treatment
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

Depending on the type of headache, analgesics — ranging from aspirin to codeine or meperidine — may provide symptomatic relief. Other measures include identification and elimination of causative factors and, possibly, psychotherapy for headaches caused by emotional stress. Chronic tension headaches may also require muscle relaxants.

For migraine headaches, ergotamine alone or with caffeine may be an effective treatment. The Food and Drug Administration allows labeling of various analgesic preparations that include caffeine to state that they’re for the treatment of migraine headaches. Remember that these medications can’t be taken by pregnant women because they stimulate uterine contractions. These drugs and others, such as metoclopramide or naproxen, work best when taken early in the course of an attack. If nausea and vomiting make oral administration impossible, drugs may be given as rectal suppositories.

Drugs in the class of sumatriptan are considered by many clinicians to be the drug of choice for acute migraine attacks or cluster headaches. Drugs that can help prevent migraine headaches include antidepressants (such as nortriptyline or fluoxetine), beta blockers (propranolol), and calcium-channel blockers (verapamil). Corticosteroids provide short-term relief for some patients with cluster headaches.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005

West Nile encephalitis: Treatment
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

There is no specific therapy utilized to treat West Nile encephalitis and no known cure. Treatment is generally aimed at controlling the specific symptoms. Supportive care, such as I.V. fluids, fever control, and respiratory support, is rendered when necessary.

There is no vaccine present to prevent the transmission of West Nile encephalitis. Research trials are underway to determine if ribavirin, an antiviral drug, may be helpful.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005

Cutaneous larva migrans: Treatment
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

Topical application of thiabendazole, ivermectin, or albendazole is effective. The suspension is applied to lesions and the immediate surrounding areas four times daily for 1 week. Oral thiabendazole given in two divided doses for 3 to 5 days is effective. Oral ivermectin and albendazole are equally effective. Tell the patient that adverse effects of systemic thiabendazole include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and dizziness.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005

Aura: Emergency interventions
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))

When an aura rapidly progresses to the ictal phase of a seizure, quickly evaluate the seizure and be alert for life-threatening complications such as apnea. When an aura heralds a classic migraine, make the patient as comfortable as possible. Place him in a dark, quiet room and administer drugs to prevent the headache, if necessary.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006

Encephalitis: Treatment
(Handbook of Diseases)

The antiviral agent acyclovir is effective only against herpes encephalitis. Treatment of all other forms of encephalitis is entirely supportive.

Drug therapy includes phenytoin or another anticonvulsant, usually given I.V.; glucocorticoids to reduce cerebral inflammation and edema; furosemide or mannitol to reduce cerebral swelling; sedatives for restlessness; and aspirin or acetaminophen to relieve headache and reduce fever.

Other supportive measures include adequate fluid and electrolyte intake to prevent dehydration and antibiotics for an associated infection such as pneumonia. Isolation is unnecessary.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003

Headache: Treatment
(Handbook of Diseases)

Depending on the type of headache, treatment interventions range from relaxation techniques, massage, and biofeedback to pharmacologic agents. Tricyclic antidepressants, beta-adrenergic blockers, and anticonvulsants may be prescribed for headache prevention; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), combination NSAIDs with caffeine, ergotamines, and dopamine antagonists  may be used for abortive measures. Narcotic agents are generally avoided or may be limited to twice weekly.

Abortive therapy using the synthetic form of serotonin (sumatriptan) is available in an oral form and as a nasal spray and can easily be carried for immediate use.

Other measures include identification and elimination of causative factors, stressors, or stimuli that might trigger an attack such as in the migraine-type headache. Diet history and examination of lifestyle patterns may help identify causative agents.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003

West Nile encephalitis: Treatment
(Handbook of Diseases)

No specific therapy is used to treat West Nile encephalitis, and no known cure exists. Treatment is generally aimed at controlling the specific symptoms. Supportive care, such as intravenous fluids, fever control, and respiratory support, is rendered when necessary.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003

Aura: Emergency Actions
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)

When an aura rapidly progresses to the ictal phase of a seizure, quickly evaluate the seizure and be alert for life-threatening complications such as apnea. When an aura heralds a classic migraine, make the patient as comfortable as possible. Place him in a dark, quiet room and administer drugs to prevent the headache, if necessary.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007

Headache: Patient counseling
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)

Teach the patient and his family or caregiver how to recognize signs of reduced LOC and seizures. Discuss ways to maintain a safe, quiet environment and reduce environmental stress, if indicated. Discuss the use of analgesics to ease the headache.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007

Night blindness: Patient counseling
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)

Because visual impairment is frightening to the patient, provide emotional support. Help decrease his anxiety and enhance cooperation by explaining scheduled diagnostic tests, such as electroretinography, in simple terms. Ensure patient safety, and explain that the patient shouldn’t drive and should use assistive devices at night or in darkened or dim lighting as necessary.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007

Aura: Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)

▪ Advise the patient to keep a diary of factors that precipitate each headache or seizure as well as associated symptoms to help you evaluate the effectiveness of drug therapy and recommend lifestyle changes.

Patient teaching

▪ Teach the patient stress-reduction measures.

▪ If the patient recognizes the aura as a warning sign, tell him to prevent the headache by taking appropriate medications.

▪ Explain diagnostic tests or procedures.

▪ Explain the underlying disorder and treatment plan.

▪ If the patient has a seizure disorder, emphasize the importance of taking anticonvulsants as directed.

▪ Stress the importance of regular follow-up appointments for blood studies.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007

Headache: Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)

▪ Monitor the patient's vital signs and LOC.

▪ Watch for a change in the headache's severity or location.

▪ To help ease the headache, administer an analgesic, darken the patient's room, and minimize other stimuli.

▪ Prepare the patient for diagnostic tests, such as skull X-rays, a computed to-mography scan, lumbar puncture, or cerebral arteriography.

Patient teaching

▪ Explain all procedures and treatments to the patient.

▪ Discuss the signs of reduced LOC and seizures that the patient or his caregivers should report.

▪ Explain ways to maintain a safe, quiet environment and reduce environmental stress.

▪ Discuss the proper use of analgesics.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007



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