Question
What constitutes comprehensive guidance on effective treatment strategies for migraine?
Answer
Managing migraine effectively involves a multi-pronged approach that addresses both the underlying causes and symptoms[1].
- Identification and avoidance of triggers:
This forms the cornerstone of migraine management. Recognizing and avoiding specific triggers can significantly reduce the frequency of migraine episodes[2]
Triggers: Yes / No
- Emotional stress
- Excessive thinking
- Prolonged use of electronic devices
- Sun exposure
- Skipping meals
- Direct airflow from fans or AC
- Stressful travel conditions
- Physical exertion
- Bright lights and loud noises
- Strong odors and perfumes
- Altered sleep patterns
- Dehydration
- Specific foods
- Menstrual cycles in females
- Preventive medication:
If you experience more than four episodes of headache per month, daily preventive medication may be beneficial[3]. These medications do not function as analgesics but rather address the root causes of migraines, reducing both their frequency and severity when taken consistently.
- Acute Treatment of Migraine Episodes:
Individual episodes should be managed with medications such as Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) or Triptans[4]. Over-reliance on these medications without lifestyle modifications and preventive medication, or overuse (more than eight times per month), can exacerbate the underlying condition, leading to medication overuse headaches[5]. Consultation with a specialist is strongly advised for appropriate treatment planning.
References
1. Lipton RB, Silberstein SD. "Epidemiology and impact of headache,"Headache, 1994; 34(6): 320–327.
[PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7928310/).
2. Kelman L. "The triggers or precipitants of the acute migraine attack,"Cephalalgia, 2007; 27(5): 394–402.
[PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17403039/).
3. Silberstein SD, Holland S, Freitag F, et al. "Evidence-based guideline update: pharmacologic treatment for episodic migraine prevention in adults,"Neurology , 2012; 78(17): 1337–1345.
[PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22529203/)
4. Goadsby PJ, Raskin NH. "Headache,"Handbook of Clinical Neurology , 2018; 139: 173–190.
[PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29307309/)
5. Diener HC, Dodick DW, Goadsby PJ, et al. "Chronic migraine—classification, characteristics and treatment,"Nat Rev Neurol ,2012; 8(3): 162–171.
[PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22330909/).
Resources for More Information
- Discover our solutions for vestibular analysis on our website: https://www.inventis.it/en-na/solutions/balance-unique-solutions
- View this AudiologyOnline course – Menière Disease and Vestibular Migraine: Two Disorders on the Spectrum?
- View this AudiologyOnline course – Navigating Vertigo: Insights from Dubai
