Migraines are common. These headaches are often triggered by factors such as weather patterns, certain foods, and stress, and the pain they cause can be debilitating. The good news is that fast relief is possible with the right approach.
At the Migraine & Headache Center of Florida in Altamonte Springs, board-certified headache specialist Bernadette Nazario-Lopez, MD, PharmD, specializes in migraine care.
Read on to discover several strategies that can help alleviate your symptoms quickly.
You might assume the only way to effectively relieve migraine pain is with medication, but that isn’t necessarily the case.
Often, at-home remedies are enough to relieve pain and help you feel better. For instance, about one-third of people with migraines say dehydration is a trigger, so drinking water throughout the day may help. Similarly, loud noises and bright lights often make migraine symptoms worse. So, if you feel one coming on, shut off the TV and other electronics and turn down the lights.
OTC medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®), can help relieve migraine discomfort, while non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen reduce inflammation, helping to block pain signals from reaching your brain.
However, for this approach to be effective, you must take them as soon as you notice a migraine beginning. These drugs work best for mild or moderate pain, so if you wait too long, you may not experience significant relief.
Make an appointment with Dr. Nazario-Lopez if you regularly experience migraine headaches and you’re unable to ease symptoms with at-home treatments or OTC medication.
Several classes of prescription drugs can help reduce the frequency of migraine attacks and prevent more severe symptoms, such as blurred vision, difficulty speaking, and nausea.
You may benefit from prescription acute medication if you have moderate to severe migraine attacks.
Some of the most common drugs used to treat migraines include:
The medication that will most benefit you depends on various factors, including your age, health history, and the severity of your headaches.
Other prescription approaches that may provide relief include nerve blocks, and intravenous (IV) infusions.
Frequent migraines can sap your energy and keep you from living your best life. If you’re tired of anticipating the next attack, we can help. Contact us today by calling the office or booking your appointment online.