Most people who suffer from migraine headaches experiment with a whole range of treatment options before finding one that works for them. Sometimes this takes years, and sometimes nothing works. Others are able to find relief and significantly impact the frequency, duration, and intensity of their migraines right away. Everyone is different.
If you experience migraine pain, you’re fortunate in that there are several different treatment options available, but it could be some time before you find one that works for you. Don’t give up hope – Researchers work everyday to develop new migraine treatments that provide relief for migraine sufferers just like you.
Below, we’ve listed range of current treatment options for migraine. This is not a comprehensive list, but a place to start.
Lifestyle changes
Lifestyle changes address some of the common migraine triggers, including stress, lack of sleep, and hormonal fluctuations. Try incorporating the following into your life:
- Relaxation techniques, such as yoga and meditation, to help relieve stress.
- Exercise also helps relieve stress, and preps your body for a good night’s sleep.
- Mindful eating – choosing nutritious foods that will benefit your body.
- Sleep is an important factor in maintaining optimal health and minimizing stress. Aim for 7-8 hours a night.
These healthy lifestyle changes are compatible with any migraine treatment methods you use.
Medication
Migraine medications focus on pain relief or prevention.
Pain relief medications for migraine include:
- Over-the-counter medications
- Advil
- Motrin
- Aspirin
- Excedrin Migraine
- Prescription medications for migraine relief are available in several different forms, including pills, shots, nasal sprays, and suppositories.
- Triptans, such as Imitrex, Tosymra, and Maxalt treat migraine pain by reducing inflammation and narrowing blood vessels in the brain.
- Dihydroergotamine and other ergot-derivative medications also cause blood vessels to constrict, making them effective in treating migraine. Many also contain caffeine, which helps the body to absorb the active ingredients quickly.
Preventative medications aim to affect the intensity, duration, or frequency of migraine headaches. Some of these medications are normally prescribed for blood pressure, depression, and epilepsy, but have proven effective for migraine treatment in some people. These include:
- Beta blockers make the heart beat more slowly and with less force
- Calcium channel blockers relax and widen blood vessels
- ACE inhibitors suppress production of a chemical that narrows blood vessels
- Tricyclic antidepressants help to balance brain chemicals and maintain healthy serotonin levels
- Anticonvulsants mute the pain pathways and reduces neuronal hyperactivity
Neuromodulation
Neuromodulation devices treat migraine with the use of electrical currents or magnets. Currently there are three FDA-approved neuromodulation devices on the market that are approved for the treatment of migraine. These include:
- The Vagus Nerve Stimulator (electrical)
- Single Pulse Transcranial Magnetic Stimulator (magnetic)
- Transcutaneous Supraorbital Neurostimulator (electrical)
Treatment with these devices are non-invasive, and can often be performed at home.
Clinical Trials
Researchers are always working to develop new migraine treatments. Participating in a migraine clinical trial can provide migraine sufferers with access to cutting-edge treatments that are not yet available to the general public. Qualified participants receive these treatments for free and may even receive compensation for their time, effort, and transportation costs. Additionally, participants get the satisfaction of knowing that they are contributing to the advancement of migraine treatment.
Migraine clinical trial in San Diego | Synergy Research Centers
Synergy Research Centers frequently runs research studies for migraine treatment in San Diego. If you or someone you know suffers from migraine headaches, you may be eligible for participation. Qualified participants must be 18 or older and able to visit our clinic for regular check-ups. For more information, please fill out our contact form or give us a call at 888-539-0282.