Does anyone have suggestions for relieving migraine headaches?

Question

My neuroligist hasnt been able to give me anything that works.

Answer 1

http://www.neurologyreviews.com/feb04/nr_feb04_foramen.html

Answer 2

I've had migraines for 7 years now. I can send you a bunch of links but I will tell you what I take that has helped.

Mine are hormone related so they get really bad around that time of the month or when the weather changes which really kills me.

Migranal nasal spray works really well for me. I take a daily anti-convulsant as a preventative medication.

Just try not to take too many over the counter type pain relievers because you will end up getting rebound headaches which are far worse than a migraine.

Check out the links below.

Good Luck.

Answer 3

You might want to try avoiding medicine altogether or at least using a topical painkiller which gives quick relief and has no side effects. The Dr Hyson system works for me - a painkilling gel on the forehead combined with an eye mask to block out bright light for a while, until the migraine goes away. Whether or not you take preventive medications, you may benefit from lifestyle changes that can help reduce the number and severity of migraines. One or more of these suggestions may be helpful for you: *Avoid triggers. If certain foods seem to have triggered your headaches in the past, eat something else. If certain scents are a problem, try to avoid them. In general, establish a daily routine with regular sleep patterns and regular meals. In addition, try to control stress. *Exercise regularly. Regular aerobic exercise reduces tension and can help prevent migraines. If your doctor agrees, choose any aerobic exercise you enjoy, including walking, swimming and cycling. Warm up slowly, however, because sudden, intense exercise can cause headaches.

Answer 4

At the very first sign of a migraine I take 2 extra strength tylenol and 2 anacins if that doens't work then I get in to a quiet, cool, dark room and sleep. This usually helps but I almost always still feel sluggish and tired the next day. If it gets beyond the first stages I haven't been able to find anything that works to relieve it except sleep.

Answer 5

I agree with the water - that might help. Generally the earlier you take it - whatever "it" is - the better it works. Drink water at the very first sign of the migraine, and take your meds at the first sign too, if they help at all.

The other thing I have had luck with is deep breathing. Not hyperventilation - but slow, deep breaths, in a dark quiet room, for like ten minutes or so. I had this theory that maybe my brain wasn't getting enough oxygen, so that's why I tried deep breathing, and lo and behold it worked.

Music has also been proven to lessen some kinds of pain.

Hope this helps. Feel better.

Answer 6

before it turns into migraine, drink a cup of water as dehydration may be what's causing the headache. after it turns to migraine, sleep is the only thing that helps me. A true migraine being where you can no longer function, darkness around eyes, nausea or vomiting, etc.

Answer 7

i get floaters before i have a migrain.. now that i've gotten use to the floater pattern i'm able to know how bad the migrain is going to be, certain floaters i can take tylenol or advil for, others i prepare myself for the worst. i take 100mg (doctor perscribed ammount, and i follow the instructions)of percocet get my dark room ready, get my low sound fan out and aimed towards me, my husband takes the kids out of the house, and i'm left to relax in silence, he leaves me with a cup of ice chips, so that way i'm able to suck on them..
I don't suggest to anyone on how much tylenol or advil they should take, you can ask your doctor how much you are able to take in. i take percocet, because that is the only pain killer that agree's with my body. and i take so much of it, because my migrains do and can last for three or more days.
also, i have noticed that if i eat certain types of food..i get sick like that, and having light sensitive eyes i never leave the house without very dark sunglasses on... even on rainy days.(the glare of the sun off of a puddle of water sets it off to)
hopefully you do find a relief..and soon, one that works the best for you!!