9 science-approved treatments for migraines

Migraine is not a common headache, but a neurological disorder associated with overactive neurons in the brain. In people prone to migraine, the brain regions that are responsible for processing received signals are excitedMarten Scheffer, Albert van den Berg, and Michel D. Ferrari. Migraine Strikes as Neuronal Excitability Reaches a Tipping Point / PLoS One easier and more active. Due to the hyperexcitation of the nerve fibers, a severe headache appears. It can lastMigraine / Mayo Clinic for hours, or even days.

To get rid of the excruciating sensations, you must act differently than with ordinary pain. However, to begin with, it is important to make sure that it is the case of the migraine.

When you need to urgently call an ambulance

Severe headache may be a sign stroke, cerebral hemorrhage or meningitis. In such cases, urgent medical attention is required. Dangerous conditions can be assumed 1. Migraine. Symptoms and Causes / Mayo Clinic
2. Migraine. Symptoms / NHS for the following symptoms:

• the pain came on suddenly, and it is very severe;
• the pain appeared against the background of a high temperature, while the person is dizzy, double vision, and the neck muscles seem stone;
• numb or sharply weakened, up to paralysis, one of the hands or one side of the face;
• speech became indistinct, strongly distorted;
• the pain not only does not subside over time, but even intensifies with each sudden movement, coughing, or simply muscle tension;
• the pain came on shortly after the head injury.

Only if you are sure you are dealing with migraine, you can try to alleviate the condition at home.

How to relieve migraine headaches

Here are the medically approved methods.

1. Take pain reliever at the first hint of an impending migraine

Migraines can be stoppedMigraine. Treatment / NHS even over-the-counter products based on ibuprofen, paracetamol, or acetylsalicylic acid. But there is an important nuance: the pill must be drunk as early as possible, at the first signs of an impending malaise.

In this case, the drug will have time to enter the bloodstream and stop the neurological pain at the very start, when it is not too strong. If you take the pain reliever when the migraine attack has already begun, there will be little relief.

There are a few rules to keep in mind when taking pills.

• Follow the instructions strictly and do not exceed the dosage of the product.
• Consult with a physician to find an effective and safe medication. For example, acetylsalicylic acid is not recommended for children under 16 years of age, as well as for adults with stomach ulcers or liver and kidney disease.
• Do not take pain relievers too often, such as several days in a row. Otherwise, the pills can provoke another type of ailment - headacheassociated with excessive drug use.

If over-the-counter drugs don't work, see your GP. The doctor will prescribeMigraine / Mayo Clinic more powerful drugs: triptan-based, opioid-based, beta-blockers, anticonvulsants. Please note that these medications have serious side effects, so only a qualified medic can select them.

2. Have a bite

Due to a lack of food in the blood decreases sugar level. Sometimes this is what becomesHypoglycemia / National Headache Foundation trigger for headache. Try eating a cracker, banana, or other high-carb food - chances are it can help stop or relieve a migraine attack.

3. Drink some water

Lack of fluid can also aggravateMigraine / NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke migraine. Therefore, take at least a few sips of water, compote, fruit drink or juice.

4. Have a coffee

Or another drink containing caffeine. This substance can relieveMigraines: Simple steps to head off the pain / Mayo Clinic pain with migraine in the early stages and enhance the analgesic effect of tablets based on paracetamol and acetylsalicylic acid. Like medicines, coffee should be drunk at the beginning of the attack - then the effect will be stronger.

Remember that it is important not to abuse caffeine, because then a headache may appear with refusal From him. And if you drink coffee or tea in the evening, sleep can deteriorate, which is also harmful for migraines.

5. Relax in a quiet, dark place

Migraines are often caused by being oversensitive to light and sound. To stop the attack faster, you need to remove these irritants.

Go to a bedroom or other secluded room, close the door, cover the windows with blackout curtains, turn off the lights and try to sleep.

6. Apply a cold compress to your forehead

It could beMigraine / NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke a napkin soaked in cool water or an ice pack wrapped in a thin cloth.

Cold exposure relieves a littleMigraines: Simple steps to head off the pain / Mayo Clinic and slightly alleviates the pain.

7. Apply a warm compress to your head or neck

For example, a heating pad or gauze soaked in warm water. Such compresses helpMigraines: Simple steps to head off the pain / Mayo Clinic relieve muscle tension that can aggravate the headache.

8. Give a light massage

To relieve muscle tension, knead your neck with your fingers, and apply pressure to the scalp.

9. Try to relax

This is necessary to calm the overexcited brain. Take a few long, deep breaths, meditate, relax all muscles as much as possible - perhaps one of these techniques will work and it will become easier for you.

Ekaterina Komissarova