Suffer from migraines? Treatments help prevent attacks before they start
ARA
What really is migraine? Some people casually use the term to describe a bad headache. But the millions who have been diagnosed with a migraine condition know that it's so much more than that. In addition to severe head pain that can last for hours or even days, they may also experience nausea, vomiting and extreme sensitivity to light or sound.
Are there effective treatments for preventing debilitating migraine attacks? New guidelines say yes, but many people are not taking advantage of these treatments.
Migraine is a condition involving recurring headaches that often can last anywhere from two hours to four days, and can completely interrupt your daily activities, impair your work performance and affect your family obligations. Research shows that many treatments can help prevent migraines, yet few people use these preventive treatments, according to new guidelines issued by the American Academy of Neurology and American Headache Society.
"Studies show that migraine is under recognized and undertreated," says guideline author Dr. Stephen Silberstein of Jefferson Headache Center at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia and Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology. "About 38 percent of people who suffer from migraine could benefit from preventive treatments, but less than a third of these people currently use them."
Unlike acute treatments, which are used to relieve the pain of a migraine attack when it occurs, preventive treatments usually are taken every day to lessen the frequency, severity and duration of attacks.
"Some studies show that migraine attacks can be reduced by more than half with preventive treatments," Silberstein says.
Some over-the-counter treatments may offer relief for migraine sufferers.
Several herbal preparations, vitamins and minerals are used for preventing migraine. The guideline research found that the herbal supplement Petasites, also known as butterbur, is effective in preventing migraine attacks. There is moderate evidence that riboflavin (vitamin B2), the mineral magnesium and the herbal preparation MIG-99 (Feverfew) can help prevent migraine.
In addition, several drugs for inflammation have been studied for migraine prevention. These are known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs. Evidence shows the NSAIDs fenoprofen, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, naproxen and naproxen sodium can help prevent migraine attacks.
Silberstein notes that while people do not need a prescription from a physician for these over-the-counter and complementary treatments, they should still see their doctor regularly for follow-up. You can learn more about the guideline recommendations at http://www.aan.com/guidelines.
Some prescription drugs help prevent migraine attacks, too.
The blood pressure drugs metoprolol, propranolol and timolol have been shown to be effective. The depression drugs amitriptyline and venlafaxine, as well as epilepsy drugs divalproex sodium, sodium valproate and topiramate can help prevent future occurrences of migraine. It's important to discuss prescription drug options with your doctor to see if one is right for you.
What other steps can you take to avoid migraine attacks?
In addition to preventative treatments, it's wise to avoid common migraine triggers. In some people, migraine headaches can be triggered by certain foods and beverages, according to the American Headache Society. Skipped meals, dehydration, strong odors and bright lights are other factors to avoid if possible.
"Migraines can get better or worse over time," Silberstein says. "People should discuss these changes in the pattern of attacks with their doctors and see whether they need to adjust their dose or even stop their medication, or switch to a different medication."
+ Top Story
Our bodies naturally crave salt, a necessary nutrient, and research shows that we gravitate to the amount we need for our bodies to function properly. Salt deficiency has been linked to a host of health concerns, including insulin resistance, increased risk of heart attacks and reduced cognition.
A new report by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention shows that the teen birth rate for African Americans has declined by 60 percent between 1991 and 2011 – a rate 10 percent greater than the overall dip in teen birth rates.
American women spend more time taking care of their families, homes and jobs than themselves. With so much time invested in caring for others, women can overlook the importance of their own health. Yet, neglecting their own health needs can make it much harder for women to also take care of those they love.
With Spring finally upon us, now’s the time to evaluate those New Year’s Resolutions to get slim and trim or to make healthy lifestyle changes. Are you totally proud of yourselves for your progress, or trying to figure out what to do to get back on track in time for summer?
Many women know that getting a Pap test regularly from their health care provider is a good way to check for signs of cervical cancer, the second most common cancer in women worldwide. What they might not know is that a “normal” Pap result does not necessarily mean they are cancer-free.
When you’re done with spring cleaning, you may assume you’ve eliminated any allergy triggers that were lurking in your home. But the truth is, if you don’t clean the right way, you might be making the problem worse.
Sixty Temple physicians have been named to Philadelphia magazine’s annual “Top Doctors” list. Nominated by their professional peers, the physicians on the list practice at Temple University Hospital, Fox Chase Cancer Center and Jeanes Hospital.
Managing diabetes just got a little bit easier. For the first time in history J.D. Power and Associates, the premier market research firm, has reviewed blood glucose meters based on feedback and insights from nearly 3,000 people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.