Any severe headache that causes searing pain in one or more (localized) areas of your head can be termed a migraine. These pains can get so bad that they not only ruin your day but your entire outlook on life as well.

6 Best Migraine Treatments You Ought To Realize

The good news is that you have options. These options take the form of internal as well as external treatments, like the ones we’re going to discuss below.

6 Best Migraine Treatments

  1. CGRP Inhibitors

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is one of the causative agents of migraines.

  • These drugs help reduce or stifle the functions of migraines
  • The medication in question is not merely named CGRP but takes different drug forms: Remanezumab (Ajovy), Galcanezumab (Emgality), Erenumab (Aimovig), and others that have been approved for such use
  • You can conveniently self-inject them; pen or syringe
  • The drugs, depending on your diagnosis, will need to be taken monthly or quarterly
  • The only migraine drug side-effects reported for this one were mild discomfort in the area of injection, perhaps a little redness
  • You will need to be somewhat careful with Galcanezumab, though. Its side-effects include hives, breathing trouble, rashes, and itching. Some cases were also sent in for emergency treatment

Trust your doctor’s recommendation, especially one based on your particular migraine conditions.

  1. Anaesthesia (mild)

This medical procedure is designed to numb or curtail SPG, namely the sphenopalatine ganglion.

  • The SPG is a nerve-cell cluster situated just inside and behind your nose.
  • This ‘nerve block’ technique has proven quite potent in the lives of several different people
  • Three actual devices (FDA approved) are available to help in this regard
  • The trigeminal nerve has a proven link to migraines. In fact, this nerve is directly connected to the SPG
  • Unlike the previous treatment, you cannot (and should not) self-administer this
  • Your doctor will use a catheter or other tube and insert it in your nose, focusing on one nostril then the other. The professional may even use an X-Ray to make sure the insertion is done right
  • A syringe carrying a mild anaesthetic is then used to numb the SPG, and the area around it

This is not long-lasting relief, but sufficient. Even after the numbness has gone, the relief lingers.

  1. Cefaly

This mechanical device is fast becoming a favourite among those suffering from migraines. In fact, this is one of the first-ever TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) devices on the market.

  • As electrical stimulation goes, the device is FDA-approved and has no known side-effects. When used properly, it poses little to no risk
  • If you are someone who experiences side-effects from drugs for migraines, this device is probably a sound alternative
  • It is strictly recommended that you use it only once a day, daily, if needed
  • The device’s headband can be slipped on with ease, neatly across the forehead
  • Next, attach the self-adhesive electrode and connect it to the headband
  • Mild electrical flow is then sent to the nerve(s) that has been linked to migraines
  • A tingle or massage-like feeling is expected

In about 20 minutes, the device usually turns itself off. But make sure you do so manually anyway. You do not need more than 20 minutes, even if your migraines persist. You can always repeat the process the next day.

  1. Counselling

As abrupt and unusual as this may sound to some people with migraines, counselling helps more often than not.

  • You may have heard of ACT, namely acceptance and commitment therapy
  • Anyone who has been making repeated attempts to control or evade the fact that they have migraines often ends up giving themselves an even worse headache; pun intended
  • ACT counselling sessions help you come to grips with your problem, after which you will feel lighter and readier to tackle the issue head-on, pun unintended.
  • The issue in question is not only to find ways to handle your migraine problem but to move forward through life without letting it get you down
  • Actionable ideas are discussed and implemented during or after these sessions
  • ‘Mindfulness therapy’ is a keen topic that also makes the rounds. Distraction, after all, is one of the most prominent side-effects of migraines
  • By learning to notice and appreciate your body’s varied senses, and your emotions and thoughts, you lose a little anxiety and depression each time. This further helps you deal with debilitating migraines

Note that medication is crucial during this time and that mindfulness alone will not help. Think of it as a ‘combination drug’ of sorts.

Conclusion

There are few unknown facts under the migraine tent. You have plenty of ideas and alternatives to select from. However, your outlook and determination will be significant in the healing process. No longer do migraines need to hold you back.

There’s a saying: “The problem is not the problem. The problem is your attitude about the problem.”