Migraine Headache Treatment: From Aspirin to Specially Designed Medications

Migraine headaches are commonly treated at emergency departments as well as in the doctor's office. The root cause of migraine headaches is that certain changes occur in the brain as well as in the surrounding blood vessels and, a typical migraine headache could last from four to 72 hours and, could occur daily or fewer than once a year. It is believed that about 15 per cent of the American population is affected by migraines and, is thrice as prevalent in women as men. The vast majority of people suffering from migraine also have other members of the family with similar problems.

Migraine headaches could be of different types and the majority is common migraines, but there is no aura before the onset of the attack. The classic migraine sufferer experiences an aura before the onset of headaches and, another type of migraine is status migrainosus that persists and needs treatment.

Different Ways of Managing a Migraine Headache Attack

Most people that suffer from migraines are able to manage the less severe to moderate attacks at home and, may need to use a cold compress on the affected area to get relief from the pain. Or, they may rest with pillows that make for comfortable support to the head or neck. They may even take to resting in a room that does not have any sensory stimulation and, can also take recourse to withdrawing from the stressful surroundings. One may also try to treat mild migraine headaches by sleeping it off or through consuming moderate quantities of coffee. If all else fails, they may try some over-the-counter medications in the hope of finding the right migraine headache treatment.

There are also non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen as well as ketoprofen that can be taken for migraine headache treatment. Another medication for migraine headache treatment is acetaminophen that may be safely used along with the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, for an additive effect. But, this drug should not be taken if the person has liver problems or consumes three or more alcoholic drinks in a day.

There are also combination medications that include over-the-counter pain relievers that can safely be taken for migraine headache treatment. Excedrin Migraine that contains acetaminophen as well as aspirin in combination with caffeine is also useful and, so too is taking two aspirins with a cup of black coffee.

Though aspirin was, at one time, the only available treatment for migraine headache, now specially designed drugs are being used for treating migraines. There are pain-relieving medications that provide instantaneous relief and, preventive medications that help in reducing or preventing a migraine headache. One can thus choose a particular strategy when seeking migraine headache treatment.