Headaches Center
Migraine Treatments
printer friendly version
“ Many migraineurs suffer needlessly… Possibly the greatest discoveries of the last 40 years have occurred in this 10-year period.—Seymour Diamond, MD, Director, Diamond Headache Clinic ”
Related Links
Your Child's Headaches May Be Migraines
Visit our Migraine Art Gallery
Learn more about migraines in the Headache Center Index
You Can Stop Your Migraine Headache Pain (cont'd)
By Rita Mullin
small text
large text
  • Ergotamine: These drugs contract smooth muscles, including those in blood vessels, reducing the dilation of the blood vessels, which cause the headache pain. Dihydroergotamine (DHE), administered as a nasal spray, injection, as a suppository or orally, is particularly effective. It can be toxic at high levels. Pregnant women, those over 60, and those with chronic health problems should avoid these.
  • Lidocaine: Nasal drops of this local anesthetic have been found to be effective in stopping or reducing headaches within a few minutes. In fact, in one study, it was effective in more than half the sufferers. Relapses are common, but the temporary relief can act as a bridge while other drugs take effect.
Medications for Preventing Migraines
Those who suffer from chronic severe and disabling migraines (more than two or three each month) may benefit from these preventive medications. Each has significant side-effects and should be used under a doctor's supervision. These include:
  • NSAIDs: Regular use of low-dose aspirin may reduce the occurrence of migraine, according to one study. Prescription-strength doses have also been found to reduce the frequency of headaches. Long-term use can lead to serious gastrointestinal problems, including bleeding of the stomach lining.
  • Beta Blockers: Usually prescribed for cardiovascular disease, these medications can also reduce the frequency and severity of severe migraine.
  • Anticonvulsants: Valproate and related drugs, used to treat epilepsy and bipolar disease, have recently been approved for the prevention of migraines.
  • Antidepressants: Tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep) and protriptyline (Vivactil) and selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs (Prozac, Zoloft and Paxil) reduced the number and severity of migraine attacks by half in up to half of the patients in one study. The tricyclics are particularly effective for people who suffer from combined migraine and tension headaches.
  • Calcium Channel Blockers: Also typically prescribed for heart patients, calcium blockers have been shown in clinical studies to be effective in preventing migraine. They may work by blocking the release of neurotransmitters (chemicals in the brain that stimulate nerve cells) involved in causing pain.
previous
1 . 2 . 3
 

Pictures: DCI |

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTERS

Discovery Channel | TLC | Animal Planet | Discovery Health | Science Channel | Planet Green
Discovery Kids | Military Channel | Investigation Discovery | HD Theater | Turbo | FitTV

HowStuffWorks | TreeHugger | Petfinder | PetVideo | Discovery Education

Visit the Discovery Store: Toys & Games | Telescopes | DVD Sets | Planet Earth DVD | Gift Ideas

By visiting this site, you agree to the terms and conditions
of our Visitor Agreement. Please read. Privacy Policy.
ATTENTION! We recently updated our privacy policy. The changes are effective as of September 10, 2008.
To see the new policy, click here. Questions? See the policy for the contact information.

Copyright © 2009 Discovery Communications, LLC.

The leading global real-world media and entertainment company.

  
Advertisement

Sponsored Links
newsletter