Migraine : What is it & treatments

A severe throbbing pain, generally experienced on one side of the head.

Often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to sound and light. Migraine episodes can be disabling.

Migraines are thought to result from changes in levels of brain chemicals in certain regions of the brain.

Diagnosis involves assessment of symptoms and imaging tests to check any abnormalities in the brain.

→ Common treatment options

→ How is this diagnosed?

• Treatable by a medical professional
• Diagnosed by medical professional
• Requires lab test or imaging
• Can last several days or weeks
• More common in females
• Family history may increase likelihood
• Urgent medical attention recommended

Analgesics: Used for mild migraines.

Ibuprofen . Acetaminophen

Triptans: Triptans make blood vessels constrict and block pain pathways in the brain.

Sumatriptan . Naratriptan

Ergots: Effective in those whose pain lasts for more than 48 hours and effective when taken soon after migraine symptoms start.

Ergotamine . Dihydroergotamine

Antinausea medications: Used when nausea is obstructing the activity of the drugs to treat migraine.

Chlorpromazine . Metoclopramide

Glucocorticoids: Used with other medications to improve pain relief.

Prednisone . Dexamethasone

Beta blockers: Can reduce frequency and intensity of migraines.

Propranolol . Metoprolol tartrate . Verapamil . Lisinopril

Antidepressants: Alleviate migraines by affecting levels of different brain chemicals such as serotonin (which can constrict blood vessels and reduce inflammation).

Amitriptyline . Venlafaxine . Valproate . Topiramate

Opioid medications: Used only when other drugs do not work because these are habit forming.

Naloxone

Anticonvulsants: Calm overactive nerves in the brain and ease symptoms.

Carbamazepine . Divalproex . Diazepam . Ethosuximide

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