I wish that experience on no one, but migraines are a dreaded problem for about 20% of the population, with a much higher rate in women (because of hormone fluctuation). Many factors go into causing migraines (see the left sidebar), and diagnosis is largely symptomatic; symptoms of a migraine include episodes of headache pain (usually focused on one side of the head), accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and (in about 20% of migraine sufferers) a visual "aura", or presence of a white zig-zaggy light in the field of vision. Getting rid of migraines is complicated and involves gaining an understanding what causes migraines (see left sidebar), and your options for treatment, usually divided into preventative and abortive (treating the symptoms as soon as they appear). We try to offer a little of bit of all three to help you get started on getting rid of your migraines.
If you think you have migraines consult a doctor immediately before attempting treatment. Although migraines are a fairly common problem, the causes and treatments of migraines are complex and unique to the individual. Talk to a doctor who can explain the possible causes of your migraines, and help you find the best possible way to get rid of your migraines.
OTC pain medications can get rid of migraines. NSAIDs like ibuprofen or aspirin, and medicines containing acetaminophen, such as Excedrin, are effective OTC treatments for migraines. Follow the dosage recommendations carefully and avoid using these medications too much or too often. Frequent use of NSAIDs can cause and contribute to stomach problems, including ulcers. If you find your tolerance to these medications increasing (I have to take six Excedrin to effect my migraines), stop using them and consult a doctor about getting rid of your migraines.
Riboflavin is another way to get rid of migraines. Riboflavin, or Vitamin B2, has been found to lessen the frequency of migraines with a dosage of about 400 mg/day (improvement was seen after about 3 monhts). Riboflavin is a nutrient known for maintaining animal health, and is naturally available in milk, cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt, eggs, leafy greens, legumes, yeast, almonds, and fish. If you want to try to use Riboflavin to get rid of migraines, however, you may want to take it in pill form, as well as adding these foods to your diet.
Retreating to a dark and quiet place can help you get rid of migraines. The sympotoms of almost every migraine include extreme sensitivity to light and noise. While this may not get to the root cause of your migraine, taking time to be still in a dark and quiet place will soothe your pain and hopefully help your recovery along, and help you get rid of your migraine.
Serotonin can play an important role in getting rid of migraines. Serotonin, a neurotransmitter (brain chemical) important in the regulation of mental health plays a role in migraines; during migraine attacks serotonin levels decrease, and increase between attacks. Talk to your doctor about the possibility of serotonin regulation as a way of getting rid of migraines (see the paragraphs below for prescription treatment of migraines).
Migraine Medication
There are several families of prescribed medicine used to treat and get rid of migraines. If you think you need prescription-strength treatment for your migraines, talk to a doctor about your options. Below are some of the most common types of medicines prescribed to get rid of migraines:
Blood pressure medication (antihypertensives), including beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, and ARBs. Atenolol, Verapamil, Lisinopril, Candesartan, (respectively) are examples of blood pressure medications used to get rid of migraines.
Triptans are a family of medicines which (loosely) work to activate and increase serotonin in the brain (and lots of other complicated medical things). Imitrex is a popular triptan used to treat migraines.
Antidepressants and SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are also used for their role in the serotonin producation, as well as other factors.
This is by no means a complete list of your options, but rather a place to start with questions for your healthcare provider, so that you can do what you need to do to get rid of your migraines and get on with your life.
