Treatments
Find more information regarding the available treatment options in the MigraineManager app
Natural and home remedies
Supplements, vitamins and herbs
Several vitamins, supplements and herbs have demonstrated effect in some studies on migraine prevention or the reduction of symptoms.
Magnesium
Studies have shown that levels of brain magnesium are low during migraine attacks. A magnesium defiency may also play an important role in menstrual migraine. This is the supposed mechanism of action in headache prevention.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
A reduced energy production in the body’s cells is involved in the development of a migraine attack. CoQ10 is an important factor in the creation of ATP, which serves as the major energy source of the cell. This is how CoQ10may be cutting shorts acute migraine episodes.
B2 or Riboflavin
Vitamin B2 increases the energy production of the body’s cell as well but is also involved in the production and breakdown of neurotransmitters that play a role in the development of migraine. Please note that Riboflavin is sometimes considered as medication.
Also other supplements and vitamins have sporadically demonstrated possible effect on migraines.
Relaxation therapy
Stress plays a role in causing a headache or making any headache worse. Certain chemicals are released in the brain when an individual is coping with stress, these chemicals provoke vascular changes that can trigger headaches or make them worse.
Learning relaxation techniques can therefore help manage headaches. Examples of therapies are stress management techniques, breathing techniques, meditation, yoga, …
Exercise
Maybe you’ve found that strenuous exercise can provoke an attack, which may have led you to identify exercise as a trigger. But research shows that regular exercise (30 min, 3x per week) can be effective in preventing headaches as your body releases natural pain controlling chemicals and natural anti-depressants.
Important to know is that you should start at moderate intensity and plan your exercises. It could be beneficial to keep a diary, recording both your attacks and exercise you have undertaken. This will give you an idea of the effect exercise has had on your headaches.”
Medical devices
Most headaches and migraines involve the trigeminal nerve, neurostimulation of this trigeminal nerve could help reduce the number of migraine attacks. It can be used to both prevent and treat migraine headaches.
Available neuromodulation devices in EU:
- Click here to get a Qalm
using discount code: migraine_manager - Cefaly
- GammaCore
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the technique of piercing the body for therapeutic purposes. Some studies have shown that acupuncture helps to reduce the frequency and intensity of chronic headaches. Some physiotherapists also perform dry needling, a different technique that relaxes muscles and may be helpful to some patients.
Medication
Please note that there is a range of medications available to treat headaches, thus always consult your physician to help you make informed decisions. Whilst drugs may be necessary to treat your attack, it is also important to find out what may be causing it for the overall management of your migraine.
Acute medication
Acute medication are treatments taken at the onset of a headache attack to reduce symptoms and relieve pain. Examples of acute medication are triptans or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or other analgesics such as aspirin or paracetamol.
Preventive medication
If you are having more than 4 days with headaches a month you may wish to discuss preventive medication with your physician. It is also important to discuss the goal and possible side effects. Examples of preventive medication are beta-blockers, anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) and antidepressants as they have proven efficacy and reduce headaches and associated symptoms. Antidepressants can also help to treat anxiety, sleep disturbances and depression that often accompany chronic headaches. Other examples of preventive medication are:
Botox®
Botox® is suggested to reduce pain in chronic migraine by reducing the expression of certain pain pathways involving nerve cells in the trigeminovascular system, which plays a key role in migraine attacks. Please note only patients with chronic migraine are eligible for treatments with Botox®, as it has not shown to be effective for any other headache type.
CGRP pathway monoclonal antibodies
These are the newest preventive medications specifically developed for the treatment of migraine. Research suggests that during a migraine episode, the pain pathways and blood vessels are affected by an increase in Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP). This peptide plays a significant role in developing and sustaining migraine.
Aimovig®, Ajovy®, Emgality® and Vyepti™ are compounds that have been developed to inactivate the CGRP. This type of medication is designed to be given by subcutaneous injections once per month.
This webpage is reviewed by Peter Dedeken, MD
Disclaimer: Neuroventis will not gain any financial benefit from discount links mentioned on this page
Disclaimer: All the information about treatments on this page is purely intended to inform and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or discontinuing an existing treatment.