A migraine is a painful headache that may truly incapacitate the affected person. Considered as a neurological condition, migraines are not just headaches in isolation but are accompanied by various symptoms. These symptoms may begin to show up as early as two or three days before an actual migraine headache.

The common symptoms of a migraine include the following:

• An increased sensitivity to light and sound
• Cluster headaches
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Distorted vision
• Irritability
• Nasal congestion

Migraines may affect anyone of any age group and may last for days at a stretch. Truly debilitating in nature, they interfere with one’s capacity to carry out day-to-day activities. Let’s take a look at some of the tried and tested methods of treating and managing migraines.

Effective medicinal remedies for treating migraine headaches
Three effective medical treatments that you may undergo in case you are suffering from a migraine headache have been discussed below:

Painkillers:  Migraine symptoms can be managed with the help of painkillers such as paracetamol, aspirin, and naproxen. Never self-medicate yourself. Always ask your physician to prescribe the correct dose. It is also important to remember that these medicines cannot cure migraines or prevent them from reoccurring. They simply ease the symptoms of an on-going headache and help the patient cope with the condition until the pain subsides.

Preventive medication:  Patients who experience frequent migraine headaches are often prescribed long-term medicines to keep future headaches at bay. These include certain anti-seizure drugs, anti-depressants, and high blood pressure medicines such as beta blockers and CGRP inhibitors.

Therapy:  Various therapies, such as acupuncture, acupressure, massages, and aromatherapy have been found to greatly help patients who suffer from frequent bouts of a migraine or cluster headaches. Also considered as an alternate form of medicine, the type of therapy that works for one person may not necessarily work for another individual and their results may also vary. Therefore, these should be considered a means to achieve relief from headaches and should not be relied upon as the sole method of treatment.

Lifestyle changes that can help treat migraine headaches
Apart from undergoing a medical treatment, a few changes in your regular lifestyle habits may also help cure the symptoms of a migraine.

Follow a regular sleep pattern:  Migraines are often triggered by a lack of sleep. Make sure to get at least eight hours of sleep every night. Do not nap for longer than 30 minutes during the day to avoid interfering with your night sleep schedule. Cut out distractions in the bedroom such as television sets or gaming consoles and make it a zone where you may truly unwind at ease.

Drink limited quantities of caffeinated beverages:  In small doses, caffeine may offer you some migraine pain relief. This is a little-known fact and yet a lifesaver for anyone who suffers from frequent migraines. Just sip on a caffeinated beverage in order to get instant relief from the throbbing sensation in your head. Just make sure not to drink too much coffee or else you might fall prey to withdrawal headaches once you stop.

Eat right:  It is said “we are what we eat” and rightly so. Avoid keeping long gaps between your meals. Nutritionists always recommend eating six to eight small meals a day at frequent intervals as opposed to three large meals. This kind of a diet boosts your metabolism and also prevents you from binge eating. If you suffer from a migraine or a cluster headache, avoid fasting or crash dieting as these may trigger newer spells of migraine symptoms.

Manage stress
Stress is known to cause inflammation of the nerves in the brain, thus leading to migraines. Find ways to cut down on activities that cram your schedule or stress you out. Make time for a hobby—such as playing a musical instrument—that helps ease your stress. Practicing yoga, deep breathing exercises, or meditation are other time-proven ways of de-stressing.