A migraine is a recurring type of headache that usually affects one side of the head, causing severe throbbing pain or pulsing sensation. When you have Charlotte migraines, you may have other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to sensory stimuli. The pain can last for a few hours to several days and interfere with your daily activities. Some people get warning symptoms such as visual disturbances before getting a migraine. Although migraines are often left untreated, be sure to see prompt medical attention if the pain worsens with movement or occurs abruptly.
Treatments for migraine
There is no cure for migraine, but physicians recommend treatment to manage symptoms and prevent additional attacks. Your doctor may either recommend pain-relieving or preventive medications. Pain-relieving medications can help stop symptoms during a migraine attack, and preventive medications are taken regularly to reduce the frequency of migraines. The treatment your provider recommends depends on the severity and frequency of attacks and whether you experience other symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.
Medications used to treat migraines work best when taken at the first sign of an incoming migraine. Examples of drugs that relieve migraine symptoms include:
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Triptans
These are prescription drugs that block your brain’s pain pathways and can help relieve certain migraine symptoms. They are available in various forms, including sprays, pills, and injections. Your healthcare provider may caution against these drugs if you are susceptible to a heart attack or stroke.
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Pain relievers
Pain-relieving medications are available upon prescription, but you can also get them over-the-counter; examples include ibuprofen and aspirin. It would be best if you only took them for a short period since extended use might cause ulcers, bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, and headaches due to overuse of medication. If your pain is mild, migraine relief medications with aspirin, caffeine, and acetaminophen may be helpful.
Preventive medications
If your migraine is frequent, long-lasting, and causes severe pain, you may benefit from preventive medications. These drugs reduce your migraines’ severity, frequency, and duration. Examples of preventive medications include anti-depressants, anti-seizure drugs, botox injections, and blood pressure-lowering medications.
Some of these medications are not safe for pregnant women or those who intend to get pregnant. Therefore, you should always discuss this with your doctor before taking these migraine medications.
Lifestyle changes to prevent migraines
Manage your stress. Migraines can be due to stress at work or home. Therefore, you should look for healthy ways to cope with stress. For example, stress management strategies like relaxation techniques, exercise, and biofeedback may help. Biofeedback helps you control body functions, including muscle tension, heartbeat, and blood pressure.
Identify your triggers. Several things can trigger your migraine, including medications, drinks, foods, and sensory stimuli. Making a log of your migraine triggers will help you learn what you need to avoid. It also enables you to figure out what to do, such as eating regular meals and forming a consistent sleep pattern. For some women, migraines may be due to their menstrual cycle; in such cases, hormone therapy may help.
If you need migraine treatment, visit your healthcare provider at Charlotte Ketamine Center.
