How to Nurse Migraine Headaches

A migraine is described as an intense headache that can include symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light or sound. In some cases, a migraine is preceded by a vision disturbance. When this occurs, the migraine sufferer is alerted to the onset of the headache and should quickly begin treatment. If medication is used, dosing at the first sign of pain will help treat the condition more effectively. For those who suffer with chronic migraines, having medications on hand is a must.

Instructions

• 1

  Look for over-the-counter remedies. Some individuals who suffer occasional migraines will find relief with over-the-counter medications. These medications can include aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen. Several over-the-counter medications are specifically formulated for migraine headaches and contain caffeine. According to the Mayo Clinic, small amounts of caffeine can enhance the pain-relieving effects of acetaminophen and aspirin.

• 2

  Ask your doctor about triptans. If over-the-counter medication does not work for your migraines, triptans may offer relief. Triptans are popular prescription medications for migraine headaches. These medications work by constricting inflamed blood vessels that cause pain and by correcting serotonin imbalances. In addition to treating pain, these drugs can also relieve many of the symptoms associated with migraines, such as nausea and sensitivity to light. According to Consumer Reports, triptans relieve migraine pain in about two hours for 60 percent of the users. Brand names of triptans include Imitrex, Relpax and Amerge.

• 3

  Try preventive medications. If you experience frequent debilitating migraines and take acute medications often, you may be suited for preventive medications. These medications are used for the prevention of migraines and, when taken daily, may help relieve chronic sufferers of many routine headaches. Anti-seizure drugs, antidepressants and cardiovascular medications can all be used to prevent migraines.

• 4

  Combine treatments for better pain management. Several approaches are often needed to treat migraine headaches. Because preventive drugs do not completely prevent all attacks, a pain medication may be used in combination with them. These medications can be triptans or over-the counter drugs. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist to be sure the combinations are safe for you.

• 5

  Apply a hot or cold compress to the head to relieve the pain either by numbing the sensations with ice or relaxing the tension with heat. Heating pads and warm baths can also be comforting. Another alternative is massage therapy, which can be achieved by massaging the scalp and neck and applying pressure to the temples.