By Enid Hinton


Migraines are headaches that cause strong throbbing and pulsating sensations that normally affect a single area of the head. They are accompanied by extreme sensitivity to light or sound, nausea and vomiting. The pain may be experienced for several hours or days. At times it may be so severe that one will not be able to do anything other than rest in quiet place. When getting therapy for migraines Salt Lake City residents can choose from various options.

Some attacks are preceded by warning signs such as occurrence of blind spots, tingling in the arms and flashes of light. There are medications designed to reduce how frequent and severe the condition is. If certain medications have not worked for someone in the past, a change will be recommended. The right combination of medicines, self-help remedies and lifestyle changes will bring a huge difference. This is done with the assistance of the doctor.

Migraines cannot be cured but doctors help in managing them. There are numerous medications designed for managing them. There are drugs used for other conditions but which are used for relieving the effect of a migraine. Medications used are classified into two categories. There are pain-relieving medicines and preventive medications. The former are also referred to as acute or abortive treatment. They are taken during attacks and help to stop symptoms that have already begun.

On the other hand, preventive medications are supposed to be taken on a regular basis, usually daily, so that they reduce how severe and frequent the condition is. Mode of treatment for any individual depends on frequency and severity. Degree of disability caused by the migraine and any other medical condition of the individual are also important considerations. Special patients like pregnant women, those breastfeeding and children have restrictions as to which drugs they can take. There are drugs that will have severe side effects on them.

For the best outcome, the pain relieving drugs need to be taken immediately one experiences symptoms of a migraine. It could be helpful to sleep or rest in a dark room after taking the drugs. There are pain-killers marketed for migraine relief that may moderate the pain. However, they are not effective for severe attacks. If they are taken frequently or for long periods, they may lead to ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding.

The fact that migraine attack is usually accompanied by nausea means that medicines used for nausea will be appropriate. These are thus combined with medicines used for migraine attacks. Persons that experience four or so attacks every month or whose attacks go for over twelve hours should consider preventive therapy. These therapies reduce severity, length of the attacks and the frequency. They also increase how effective the other drugs used are.

There are self-care measures that will be very helpful. Muscle relaxation exercises for instance will help relieve pain. This should be complemented by having enough sleep but not oversleeping. It is recommended to go to bed and wake up at regular intervals.

A headache diary should be kept even after the patient has seen the doctor. The purpose of this is to learn about the various triggers of the attacks and the treatment modes that are most effective. Alternative treatment options include massage therapy, biofeedback and acupuncture.




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