Water - dehydration is a common cause of migraines, and hydration, in combination with other methods can help relieve the symptoms. Showers that alternate hot and cold as extreme as can be tolerated also provide relief for some people.
Caffeine - while caffeine is a trigger for some, once a headache hits, large amounts of coffee does provide relief for many sufferers.
Mygrastick / aromatherapy - Lavender and the scent of other herbs offer relief for many. Migrastick is a commercial product that offers easy application of lavender and peppermint.
Butterbur - is an herb that prevents and reduces the severity of headaches and other pain. In recent double blind studies it was 77% effective. iherb.com carries this at the lowest price I have found (you also use the code BUS490 for an addtional $5 off any purchase).
Feverfew - is another herb that helps some sufferers.
Walking - steady, long walks offer relief.
Beta blockers - commonly prescribed by doctors to help prevent migraines.
Massage - massage by a knowledgeable professional can help prevent migraines in many sufferers.
Divalproex Sodium (Depakote®) is a promising preventive for Migraine. This drug was originally developed for Epilepsy; a disease often referred to as a sister disorder to Migraine, prescribed in much smaller doses when used to treat Migraine thus lessening the mild side effects.
Simple analgesics, available over-the-counter (OTC), are generally used for mild pain. They relieve pain by acting on peripheral pain receptors. (Some analgesics also have anti-inflammatory effects). Though readily available, they are generally not strong enough to relieve Migraine pain and overuse may cause rebound headaches. These medications include acetaminophen and aspirin.
NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) act by inhibiting blood vessel inflammation. These medications include naproxen, ibuprofen and ketorolac. NSAIDs are not specific, do not treat associated Migraine symptoms, and can cause gastrointestinal disturbances, but are rather an effective OTC treatment for use with mild to mild-to-moderate Migraines for some Migraineurs.
If you have experience with other treatments (such as gut-brain therapy) share in the comments!
This list, and anything on this site, is not intended to replace the services of a physician, nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Information on this web site is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Any action on your part in response to the information provided in this web site is at the reader’s discretion. Readers should consult their own physicians concerning the information on this web site
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