Migraine Treatment

A migraine is a neurological disorder characterised by recurrent, intense headaches that typically affect one side of the head and are often accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, sound, or smell, and visual disturbances known as aura. Migraine attacks can vary in duration and severity, lasting anywhere from a few hours to several days, and can significantly impair daily functioning and quality of life for those affected.

There is currently no cure for migraines, but they can often be managed effectively with treatment and lifestyle modifications to reduce the frequency, severity, and duration of attacks. Treatment aims to alleviate symptoms during acute attacks, prevent future attacks, and improve overall quality of life for individuals with migraines.

Yes, there are several natural approaches that can help manage migraine symptoms and reduce the frequency of attacks. These include identifying and avoiding trigger factors such as certain foods (e.g., aged cheese, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol), stress, hormonal changes, lack of sleep, or environmental factors (e.g., strong odours, bright lights). Regular physical activity, relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or biofeedback, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, staying hydrated, and dietary modifications may also help prevent migraines or reduce their severity. Some individuals may find relief from migraine symptoms by using complementary therapies such as acupuncture, massage, or herbal supplements, but it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatments.

Migraine treatment typically involves a combination of acute treatments to relieve symptoms during attacks and preventive treatments to reduce the frequency and severity of future attacks. Acute treatments may include over-the-counter pain relievers such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or migraine-specific medications such as triptans or ergotamines, which work to constrict blood vessels and block pain pathways in the brain. Preventive treatments may include prescription medications such as beta-blockers, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, or medications specifically approved for migraine prevention, such as CGRP inhibitors. Lifestyle modifications, such as identifying and avoiding trigger factors, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and stress management techniques, are also important components of migraine management.

Migraine treatments come in various forms, including oral medications (tablets or capsules), nasal sprays, injectable medications, suppositories, and transdermal patches. Oral medications such as NSAIDs, triptans, or preventive medications are commonly used for acute or preventive treatment of migraines. Nasal sprays or injectable medications may provide faster relief during acute attacks. Suppositories or transdermal patches may be used for individuals who experience nausea or vomiting during migraines and cannot tolerate oral medications.

Some migraine medications, such as over-the-counter pain relievers or herbal supplements, may be available without a prescription. However, prescription medications for acute or preventive treatment of migraines typically require a prescription from a healthcare provider. You should always consult with your doctor or healthcare provider for advice on whether a medication is suitable for you. Please note that at PharmXtra, all requests for the supply of prescription medications are subject to an online clinical consultation, and the decision to prescribe will be made by a doctor.