Migraines are the commonest cause of chronic headaches
- With over 10% of the population affected they are an enormously important cause of lost days, not just at work but also socially, with a big impact on family life, as well as any individual suffering.
- Fortunately many people can stop an attack in the early stages with triptans, but for others migraines are a blight on their lives, with most days affected
- Everybody’s migraine picture is different and it is important to find the treatment that suits you. Botox is the latest treatment and works in a very different way to drug therapy
- Triptans – if taken early enough, these can nip a migraine in the bud and stop it from developing into a full blown attack
- Painkillers – to help control the headache once a migraine
- Anti-emetics – if sickness is a problem then these can help if taken early enough
- Avoid migraine triggers (this is a VERY important part of avoiding migraines)
- Stress – Stress itself can bring on migraines or relaxing at the weekend after a stressful week can both bring on migraines
- Strenuous exercise – but moderate regular exercise is good for migraines
- Diet – Make sure you eat reguarly as fasting can bring on migraines. Avoid specific foods such as alcohol, chocolate, cheese
- Break the migraine cascade –
- Botox
- Nerve Blocks
- Menstrual Migraine – see the medication section
- Alternative Medicine – Homeopathy, Acupuncture, Osteopathy
- Medication
- If the migraines are not adequately controlled during attacks then preventative medication can be used. Unfortunately they can produce side effects that limit their usefulness
- Hormone therapy in Menstrual Migraine
