Acute treatments for migraine headaches aim to help relieve migraine symptoms, while preventive treatments aim to prevent them. Both treatment approaches include medications and lifestyle remedies.
Migraine is a condition characterized by throbbing, debilitating headaches, often on one side of the head.
Migraine headaches are often accompanied by other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sounds, and smells.
There are
- Acute treatment: This aims to stop a migraine attack from getting worse and to stop migraine symptoms entirely once it has already started.
- Preventive treatment: This aims to prevent a migraine attack from occurring.
Many people who experience migraine episodes only require acute treatment.
However, if you have chronic migraine, you may require a combination of both preventive and acute treatments.
Keep reading to learn more about some medications and natural remedies that could be used for acute and preventive migraine treatments.
Acute treatment for migraine aims to help relieve the pain, symptoms, and progression of episodes.
It’s important to take medication for migraine as soon as you begin to experience symptoms, as this may greatly reduce symptoms. According to the American Migraine Foundation, you may have up to a 2-hour window of opportunity.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications
OTC pain relievers are the most commonly used acute treatments. They can relieve mild to moderate migraine pain.
OTC pain relievers for migraine may include:
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil), aspirin, diclofenac (Cambria), and naproxen (Aleve)
- analgesics, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- a combination drug containing acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine (Excedrin)
It’s important to take only the recommended dose of these medications for just as long as you need them.
Long-term use of these medications may cause side effects, such as stomach bleeding, ulcers, and medication overuse (rebound) headaches. This refers to a new type of headache or a worsening of your current headaches as a result of adapting to medications.
OTC antiemetics may help relieve other symptoms associated with severe migraine,
Learn more about OTC medications for migraine.
Prescription medications
Several prescription migraine medications are also available for acute treatment.
Speak with a healthcare professional if you experience migraine headaches more than
The first-line prescription medication for the acute treatment of moderate to severe migraine is triptans. These help relieve migraine headaches and other symptoms by narrowing blood vessels in the brain.
Other prescription medications available for acute migraine treatment include:
- ergotamines
- calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonists
- corticosteroids injections
- opioids, if nothing else works
Learn more about prescription medications to help treat migraine.
Home remedies
Several natural remedies may help relieve migraine pain, such as:
- aromatherapy with essential oils, such as lavender, peppermint, and feverfew
- scalp massage
- acupressure
- sleeping
It’s important to note limited research supports the migraine-relieving properties of these remedies. It’s best to use these with other acute treatments for migraine headaches.
Learn more about natural remedies for migraine headaches.
Preventive treatment, also known as migraine prophylaxis, may be recommended if you experience severe migraine headaches at least
The aim of migraine prophylaxis is to help reduce the frequency, duration, and severity of migraine headaches.
Medications
A healthcare professional can prescribe preventive medications for chronic migraine.
To avoid potential side effects, drug interactions, and serious complications, it’s important to let them know of any underlying health conditions you may have and whether you’re taking medications.
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Other types of preventive medications
- CGRP monoclonal antibodies, such as erenumab (Aimovig), fremanezumab (Ajovy), eptinezumab (Vyepti), and galcanezumab (Emgality)
- anticonvulsants, such as valproate (Depakene) and topiramate (Topamax)
- antidepressants, such as amitriptyline (Elavil), venlafaxine (Effexor), and fluoxetine (Prozac)
- calcium channel blockers, such as diltiazem (Cardizem) and verapamil (Calan)
- Botox injections
Learn more about preventive medications for migraine headaches.
Surgery
Surgery may be an
Some types of surgery include peripheral neurolysis and nerve decompression.
It’s important to note that more research is needed to explore the role of surgery in migraine prevention treatment.
Learn more about surgery for migraine headaches.
Lifestyle changes
Some lifestyle approaches may help you prevent migraine headaches, such as:
- avoiding triggers, which may include alcohol, stress, and loud environments, among others
- trying stress-relieving activities, such as yoga, stretching, and meditation
- getting at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise weekly
- eating a well-balanced diet
- practicing healthy sleep hygiene
Neuromodulation devices are a newer alternative to migraine medication. These noninvasive devices work by slowing brain activity to help reduce headache pain.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has
Neuromodulation devices for migraine
- Cefaly
- Single Pulse Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (sTMS)
- GammaCore
- Nerivio
- Relivion
Learn more about the latest advancements in migraine treatment.
Treatment approaches for migraine attacks include acute and preventive treatments. Treatments for both approaches may include medications and natural remedies.
If you’re experiencing migraine headaches more than 8 days per month, speak with a healthcare professional. Keeping track of your symptoms in a headache diary can help you more accurately describe them.
A doctor could help develop a treatment plan to help you prevent migraine episodes.