Migraine Relief - Remedies For Migraine Relief

Different types of migraine. 

Migraine may be a common problem, but it can be very complex to treat as there are many different types of migraine.

Migraines can be very debilitating.

They are characterized by intense throbbing headache, which can be accompanied by flashing lights, called an aura, nausea and vomiting.

While there are no cures for migraine, there are many different types of remedies and treatments for migraine relief.



Selection of migraine relief remedies
There is a vast selection of migraine relief remedies available which fall into one of three basic categories. These being, preventive, abortive and symptomatic.

Preventive medications are designed to prevent a migraine happening in the first place.

Abortive migraine relief is directed at a migraine after it has happened to relieve the pain. And symptomatic migraine relief medication will treat the very disturbing symptoms of vomiting and nausea often associated with a migraine attack.

Migraine relief can be in the form of prescription drugs from a doctor, over-the counter drugs or home remedies, some of which can be very simple and drug free remedies for migraine relief.

Many migraine sufferers rely on simple over-the -counter pain relief medications to relieve the throbbing pain and get rid of a migraine.

These range from analgesics such as acetaminophen to anti- inflammatories such as ibuprofen or naproxen. There are now many good migraine relief medications available over-the -counter.

Migraine occurs  because of a dilation of blood vessels in the brain. Up until recently migraine sufferers had very little choice in medications for migraine relief and it's effects.

However, newer drugs known as triptans have been developed for migraine relief.

Triptans are the  most commonly prescribed type of medication for migraine relief.This covers an entire range of treatments that work directly on the blood vessels in the brain to relieve the pressure on them.

They also bring about an interruption in the chain of chemical events that lead to a migraine attack and consequently reduce the pain.

If migraine is persistent and frequent enough to disrupt daily life, your doctor may prescribe a drug that will prevent migraine. While there is no specific drug for this, certain blood pressure medications as well as some anti-depressants are used for this purpose.

These drugs are known as Beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers. Verapamil, which is a calcium channel blocker is one of the commonly prescribed drugs for migraine relief.

This is used with or without other medications to treat high blood pressure. It works by relaxing the blood vessels, so the blood can flow more easily.



Drug Free relief.
For those wishing to try drug free remedies for relief of migraine, there are many self help treatments you can try.

For long term migraine sufferers, they may well have linked certain triggers to their migraine attacks.

These can be certain foods, situations, stress, hormonal changes etc. If this is the case, avoiding these triggers can be undertaken. If this fails there are several home remedies that can help with migraine relief.

One such remedy is aromatherapy. It has been shown that certain scents and essential oils tend to ease stress and tension, which may be one of the triggers of your migraine. Peppermint, sandalwood and eucalyptus are the most common oils used in the relief of migraine.

Using these oils for massage is also an effective treatment in the relief of migraine. Just ten minutes of massage from someone else can help relieve tension and relax your whole body, relieving the pain and stiffness experienced with a migraine.

Use A Frozen Towel For Migraine Relief

If the headache is severe, one very simple relief is a frozen towel. You need to wet a towel and squeeze it out. Place in the freezer for five minutes or until it stiffens. Fold the stiffened part inside and place around the head and eyes.

Place back in the freezer as the towel warms up. Or keep a commercially bought eye pack in the freezer, ready to use when necessary.

Drink Plenty of Water
One trigger for migraine is dehydration. If you are a migraine sufferer it is important to drink plenty of water. Even during an attack, drinking lots of water can help flush out toxins from the body.

Certain foods may offer relief from migraine headaches. These include salt if taken as soon as you feel a migraine coming on. By eating something salty can help some people stop their migraine.

Ginger root and garlic have also been shown to get rid of a migraine. Once an attack has started, drinking chamomile tea can provide relief.

For those who suffer with migraine they know only too well the effects it can have on their lives. For some it can interfere with their lives on a regular basis.

For others it may only be a minor inconvenience and be easily treatable with over-the-counter pain relief or home remedies. No matter what the degree of severity of your migraine, there are many different remedies for migraine relief, but if in doubt consult your health care professional for advice.