There are many treatments for migraine, including preventive therapies, medications, and lifestyle changes. Preventive medicine includes medications like antidepressants and antiseizure drugs. Other treatments may include Botox injections and hormone therapy. Some doctors believe migraines are related to the menstrual cycle, which may impact certain women’s hormone levels.
Nonpharmacologic Therapies
Nonpharmacologic migraine treatment options are nonpharmacological methods used to prevent migraine attacks. They are not intended to replace pharmacologic therapy but may be used in combination for improved efficacy and tolerability. Nonpharmacologic approaches are often based on patient preference and a decision-driven process.
Nonpharmacologic treatments include relaxation techniques, biofeedback, and cognitive behavior therapy. Some migraine treatment Jacksonville FL is even effective without the use of medication. A few nonpharmacologic therapies are also indicated for patients who do not tolerate pharmacological treatments. Some patients may also benefit from neuromodulation devices.
Cognitive behavioral therapy involves changing your thought patterns and behaviors to reduce your chances of a migraine. This method encourages you to focus on your values and goals instead of worrying about the pain. Another nonpharmacologic approach is to use meditation or mindfulness exercises to reduce stress and anxiety.
Preventive Therapies
Preventive therapies for migraine aim to reduce the frequency and intensity of attacks. These treatments aren’t suitable for everyone, though. Those who only suffer from one migraine per month may not need to start a preventive regimen, but those with complex migraines may benefit from it. There are two types of preventive therapies: short-term and long-term.
Long-term preventive therapies involve avoiding triggers. This includes avoiding things that can worsen your migraine. This means eliminating certain foods and activities that aggravate your condition.
Opioids
Despite the potential benefit of opioids for the treatment of migraine, there are some concerns about this type of medication. Opioids have been associated with an increased risk of abuse and dependence. They are not the only medications that can be misused. Moreover, the use of opioids as first-line therapy is not recommended.
Opioids have adverse effects on the central nervous system and can alter the brain’s balance of CGRP and substance P. This can lead to an increase in the pain response to non-noxious stimuli. In addition, opioids may cause neuroadaptive changes in patients with migraine. This can cause enhanced sensitivity to triggers and increase the frequency of migraine attacks.
Opioids are commonly used to treat migraine. However, the risks of overusing these medications are significant.
Calcium-Channel Blockers
Calcium-channel blockers are a class of medications commonly used to treat migraines. They work by blocking the release of dopamine and other neurotransmitters in the brain. These medications can help people sleep, reduce migraine frequency, and ease the pain of migraines. They are also available in low-dose formulations to avoid side effects.
These medications are often prescribed off-label or for conditions not approved by the FDA. This is a common practice and is considered medically acceptable. They are also helpful in treating high blood pressure and heart rhythm problems. Because calcium is an electrolyte, calcium-channel blockers balance sodium and potassium ions in the blood. In addition to helping treat migraine, calcium-channel blockers can prevent or delay the development of severe diseases associated with high blood pressure.
Newer migraine drugs target the CGRP receptor, which is involved in the pain and inflammation associated with migraine. These newer drugs block CGRP receptors and peptides. Several of these medicines are approved for the prevention and treatment of migraine.
CGRP Antagonists
CGRP antagonists are one of the many treatment options available for migraine. They are known as monthly or quarterly injections, which can be taken instead of daily oral medications. In clinical trials, CGRP antagonists have reduced the number of days of headache, but it is important to note that these medications are inappropriate for all patients. Their use should be based on the patient’s comorbidities and overall health. Patients should discuss with their physicians the pros and cons of CGRP antagonists compared to other migraine treatments.
Erenumab has been studied in patients with heart and vascular disease and those with risk factors for heart or vascular disease. This medication does not cause adverse effects but is not intended to be a cure for migraine. It may be helpful as a supplement to standard therapy for treating migraine, but it should not be the sole solution.
