Treatment of Migraine Headaches

Migraine headaches are caused by the swelling of the temporal artery, which lies under the skin of the temple. This artery is surrounded by nerves, which release chemicals that cause pain and additional swelling of the artery when they are stretched. Treatment of a migraine headache can be accomplished by addressing the cause, by mitigating the symptoms or a combination of the two.

NSAIDs

• For moderate migraine headaches, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also known as NSAIDs, are commonly used. NSAID medications reduce pain and inflammation, which can help a migraine sufferer. Common forms of NSAID medications that can be purchased without a prescription include ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin. While these medications can be somewhat effective, they should not be taken frequently due to the risk of ulcers.

Triptans

• Triptans are a form of prescription medication that shrinks the blood vessels, including the temporal artery. As the artery reduces to normal size, the nerves surrounding it become less stretched. This leads them to stop producing the chemicals that cause pain, effectively ending the migraine. There are many formulations of triptans available for treatment of migraines. Physicians can prescribe triptans and even administer injections for quick relief.

Ergots

• Ergots also stop migraine headaches by narrowing blood vessels and are available at a lower cost than triptans. Ergots, however, come with more severe side effects and are less effective at reducing the inflammation of the blood vessels that causes the migraine headache. The effectiveness of ergot medications is typically increased for individuals who experience migraine pain for more than two days.

Other Medications

• Narcotics can be used to reduce pain for migraine sufferers who are not responding to other medications. These drugs, however, are addictive and cannot be used on more than a short-term basis. Midrin is a medication that is highly effective in the elimination of migraine headaches. It combines isometheptene, a vasoconstrictor, with acetaminophen and a mild sedative, dichloralphenazone.

Considerations

• Migraine medications are most effective when they are taken as soon as the sufferer is aware that a migraine is starting, rather than once the pain has become unbearable. For this reason, individuals that experience migraine headaches should attempt to identify the start of an attack as soon as possible. Migraine sufferers who experience "auras" can easily predict the onset of a migraine by the presence of visual symptoms such as bright spots of light, zigzags or even blind spots. Keeping a headache diary to determine trigger events or foods that may start a migraine can also help a migraine sufferer to not only prevent symptoms, but also to predict the start of a migraine.