Treating Headaches & Migraines

Medical, homeopathic, and over the counter treatments for headaches and migraines differ on the symptoms and the goal of preventing further migraine episodes.

Most migraines may be treated by either abortive or preventative approaches. Abortive therapy prevents the migraine attack or stops it during the onset by injection into the thigh or a wafer that melts on the tongue – two forms of medication that are usually used for those whom become nauseas during a migraine and or vomit, with the added benefit of fast acting relief. Abortive treatment therapy includes medication like triptan which target the serotonin in the brain and have a specific reaction within the chemical makeup of the brain’s pain centers.

Preventative medication is a type of migraine treatment for those who suffer migraines more than once a week and the goal is to retard the frequency of the attacks and their severity. This medication is taken daily and includes medications that treat high blood pressure such as beta-blockers, anti-depressants, anti-seizure medications, and anti-histamines. Symptomatic relieve comes in a variety of types and doses that are both over the counter and medication that can only be assigned to the patient by a physician.

It is important that before talking to your doctor about what medication may be available the patient must divulge what medications they are currently taking for their headache or migraine problems as the drug may have an adverse affect. It is also important that the doctor advise the patient on the different types of side effects that may occur due to the drugs and medication.