Headache & Migraine

Is there any treatment?

There are two ways to approach the treatment of migraine headache with drugs:

1. prevent the attacks, or
2. relieve the symptoms during the attacks.

Many people with migraine use both approaches by taking medications originally developed for epilepsy and depression to prevent future attacks, and treating attacks when they happen with drugs called triptans that relieve pain and restore function.

There are two types of treatment for migraines: preventive and acute. As with all types of treatment, if the patient is nauseated or vomiting, then any medication should not be given orally (pill form).

“My back hurts so much that I can hardly get out of bed on some days. I have tried everything; including, Bufferin, Tylenol, heat, music, et al; and nothing works. What about Morphine? Would this help me?”

According to the Mayo Clinic, there are a few things you can do to relieve a migraine.

The link below shows a comparison chart between the following common over-the-counter pain relievers for headache:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Aspirin
• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB)

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, carbon monoxide (CO) is a dangerous source of indoor air pollution. CO is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas. Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, CO can kill you before you are aware it is in your home.

(Click under Resources at right of the Consumer Reports URL site to download full 16-page report)                           Available en espagnol
Triptans are effective medicines used to treat migraine headaches. For about 60% of people who take one, a triptan reduces pain within two hours. While complete pain relief is not common, it can be enhanced if you take a triptan early in a migraine attack. The triptans also help relieve other migraine symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, noise, and motion.