For a Common Headache see "Headache"

HOW IS A MIGRAINE TREATED?

* Be aware that the recommended treatments of illnesses are always being improved. This website was last update on 11/1/2024. The best treatment option MIGHT have changed since that time.

1. Ibuprofen: Motrin or Advil (As needed provided a person does have a kidney problem, stomach problem, or in the their third trimester of pregnancy.)

2. Triptans:
• Almotriptan (Axert)
• Eletriptan (Relpax)
• Frovatriptan (Frova)
• Lasmiditan (Reyvow)
• Naratriptan (Amerge)
• Rizatriptan (Maxalt)
• Sumatriptan (Imitrex, Onzetra Xsail, Sumavel DosePro, Zembrace)
• Zolmitriptan (Zomig)

3. A New type of Medication:
• Lasmiditan (Reyvow)

4. Gepants:
• Ubrogepant,
• Atogepant
• Rimegepant

5. Dihydroergotamine plus dopamine antagonist antiemetic
• Diego
• Dihydergot
• D.H.E. 45
• Ergont
• Ikaran
• Migranal
• Orstanorm
• Seglor

Caution:

1. There are certain symptoms that if they occur indicate that headache is more than a headache and requires a more extensive assessment as soon as possible. Some of these symptoms are the following:
A. Sudden, very intense headache pain.
B. Severe or sharp headache pain for the first time.
C. A headache with a stiff neck and fever.
D. A headache with fever higher than 102.
E. A headache with nausea and vomiting.
F. A headache with a nosebleed.
G. A headache with fainting.
H. A headache with dizziness or loss of balance.

2. All medication, including medications those for migraines, have a risk of side effects. Many migraine medication work by constricting blood vessels in the head; however, the constriction does not stop there. They may also constrict some blood vessels that to the heart, which increases a person’s chance of having a heart attack.
A. Possible mild side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, itching, and light skin rash.
B. Possible severe side effects are a severe rash or an anaphylactic allergic reaction (leading to the inability to breathe and subsequent death if not treated rapidly).

Consult “Epocrates.com” for each Specific Medication’s possible “Adverse Reactions.” Side effects are also referred to as “Adverse Reactions.” Epocrates.com will tell you both “common reactions” and “serious reactions.” You will have to create an account, but it is simple, fast, and free.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A "MIGRAINE?"

1. Migraine headache pain is severe throbbing or pulsing pain.
2. The migraine headache is usually accompanied by nausea and vomiting,
3. Migraine headaches pain is usually accompanied by extreme sensitivity to light or sound.
4. Migraine headaches usually last from 4 to 72 hours
5. Migraine headaches are usually made worse by activity, bright lights, and loud noises.

WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF A MIGRAINE?

The cause of a migraine is poorly understood. One theory states that it is a combination of a nervous system problems and a blood vessel problem. However, this theory is not accepted by everyone.

HOW IS A MIGRAINE DIAGNOSED?

A diagnosis of a Migraine can usually be made by a careful history and a brief neurological exam.