How do i treat a migraine?

Evaluation and meds: First, make sure it is really a "migraine" and not another type of headache. Many people just call a bad headache a "migraine" and this is not necessarily correct. You can try otc meds- tylenol, (acetaminophen) excedrin, antiinflammatory meds, etc. If these don't work, then go see your doctor for a formal evaluation and start treatment options. If it is a first time "severe" ha, get the evaluation sooner.

Many ways: There are many therapies to migraines. If acute otc meds like Excedrin helps. Prescriptions such as triptans have been used to abate the migraine if severe enough. If this a chronic condition, reduce stressors, exercise, meditation, food triggers, acupuncture/yoga can all help. There is of course medications for chronic migraine as well. Keeping a log of your migraines may be helpful.

Rescue & Preventive: Some migraines respond to an NSAID (ibuprofen, naproxen) alone and something with caffeine but the usual rescue mediation for a migraine are the triptan meds that include sumatriptan or imitrex. The trick is to take it early. Narcotic analgesics are the wrong medications for migraines. Also there are preventive medications that include nutraceuticals, antidepressants, antiseizure meds and others.

Migraine: Yes, it is helpful to think of migraines as a genetic problem with outside triggers or influences that make them more frequent or severe (hormones, foods, stress). Your doctor will want to know how often, long, and severe they occur. This will influence treatments -for 1) preventitives, 2) abortives/as needed, 3) elimination of triggers.

Botox : Botox can lead to durable control of migraines. If sucessful you may be candidate for surgery that can significantly minimize your episodes.

Migraine Tx: You may want to consider having your doctor/headache specialist see if Botox can be approved for your migraine headaches. If it works you could have significantly less migraines for at least 3-4 months at a time. Many times people's migraines are cut in half if not more. The use of your oral migraine prevention medications and abortives are much more helpful and reduce occurrences even better.