Properly Treating Migraines: Strategies for Effective Relief and Management

Around ten million people in Germany suffer from migraines. The symptoms of the disease are an enormous burden for those affected. A regular daily routine is unthinkable during a migraine attack, and the quality of life drops to a minimum. Despite these dramatic restrictions, not even half of those affected receive medical treatment. They often don’t even know that a migraine causes the symptoms.

symptoms of migraines

The disease can be determined by three questions with an accuracy of 93 per cent. Do you have to answer “yes” to two of the following three questions? Then it would help if you went to the doctor:

• During the past three months, has a headache restricted your activities for one day or more?
• Do you experience nausea or vomiting during your headache?
• Does light/brightness bother you during headache attacks?

Migraine sufferers usually suffer from paroxysmal, severe pain that is typically limited to one-half of the head. The pain has a pulsating or throbbing character and increases with physical exertion. It is not uncommon for the migraine attack to be initiated by precursors such as flickering in the eyes or other visual disturbances, balance disorders or sensory disturbances (aura).

Complex special examinations are usually optional. However, since headaches can also be a sign of other diseases, a doctor should confirm the diagnosis. He can also initiate a suitable therapy against the “thunderstorm in the head”.

 

treatment of migraines

Theoretically, a distinction between therapy in an acute attack and preventive measures can be made. In the case of a mild migraine attack, the German Migraine and Headache Society (DMKG) recommends taking paracetamol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen early and in high doses.

Moderate and severe migraine attacks are treated with triptans, drugs that target migraines and are most effective in acute attacks. They interrupt the pain signals and relieve migraine symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. But although triptans are the first choice for the treatment of severe migraines, only ten per cent of women with migraines in Germany receive appropriate therapy. Headache experts are therefore calling for the quality of treatment to be increased.

Preventive migraine treatment

If migraine attacks occur more frequently, preventive treatment may be an option. The DMKG recommends the beta-blockers metoprolol and propranolol, flunarizine (a substance used to treat dizziness) and valproic acid and topiramate as first choice, which also help with epilepsy. Substances of second choice are amitriptyline, venlafaxine, gabapentin, naproxen, acetylsalicylic acid, butterbur, magnesium and vitamin B2.

Coupling drug treatment with other measures often proves to be particularly effective. The focus is on an appropriate lifestyle (e.g. sufficient sleep and relaxation, avoiding certain foods, e.g. red wine, cheese, chocolate, and regular physical exercise). Relaxation procedures such as progressive muscle relaxation, biofeedback procedures and cognitive behavioural therapy often have a supportive effect.

 

Counteract migraine attacks in good time.

The sooner you intervene in an impending attack, the milder it will often be. If an attack is imminent, cancel all appointments, withdraw and go to bed. Don’t delay taking medication – research shows that patients who took a triptan early had a higher chance of being utterly pain-free than those who waited until the attack was moderate to severe.

Are you unsure whether you suffer from migraines or are concerned about the side effects of medication? Talk to your doctor! This is all the more critical given that migraine sufferers are also twice as likely to develop heart disease as other people. In a study by the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda (USA), the data of 520 migraine sufferers were compared with healthy controls.

The migraine patients showed an accumulation of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. They had high cholesterol and high blood pressure and smoked more often than controls. A genetic predisposition was also evident. The parents had an increased incidence of early heart attacks.

Tip: As an affected person, you should regularly take advantage of preventive check-ups and pay attention to your cardiovascular risk factors. A regular fitness program with endurance sports is also recommended.