How to get rid of migraines: medications and how to get rid of migraines without pills, physiotherapy

Headache is the most common complaint when visiting a doctor. Everyone has encountered it at least once in their life, and in 5% of the world's population, cephalalgia is chronic. Migraine is one of the most severe and most important forms of headache. According to the World Health Organization in 2010, this pathology ranked third in prevalence worldwide.

Independent attempts to resolve the issue of how to get rid of migraines are no less problematic. Uncontrolled use of various drugs only aggravates the situation and leads to the development of drug-induced headache.

The pathogenesis of migraine has not yet been fully investigated. Experts associate the disease with a genetic predisposition. As a result of a number of pathophysiological changes, the release of neurotransmitters that regulate the transmission of nerve impulses is disrupted. Disorder of the mechanism of regulation of the tone of the vessels supplying the tissues of the brain is also of great importance.

In effective treatment of migraine, the main role is played by early detection of the disease and the appointment of adequate drug treatment.

The diagnostic criterion of the disease is 5 or more attacks, which are characterized by the following symptoms:

• the duration of the attack is from 4 hours to 3 days;
• the pain is pulsating in nature, it can be one-sided or encircling;
• cephalalgia disrupts the usual rhythm of life;
• discomfort increases with physical effort;
• often the patient suffers from nausea or vomiting, the patient is worried about phobia and sound.

The key to successful treatment of migraine is the prevention of the factors that provoke an attack. But in some cases this is simply impossible to do. According to data obtained in the course of a long-term study, in more than half of patients, exacerbation of pathology occurs when weather conditions change (atmospheric pressure, temperature, speed wind). In women, attacks become more frequent before and during menstruation.

However, for every person suffering from migraines, doctors recommend refraining from:

• smoking, including passive;
• the use of perfumes, deodorants, air fresheners, cleaners and detergents with an intense bleach smell, etc .;
• a sharp exit from a darkened room into bright sunlight;
• alcohol consumption;
• excessive nervous experiences;
• too long and intense work, as lack of sleep and fatigue can also provoke a headache attack;
• a sharp change in climate.

In some cases, patients are treated with drugs to prevent seizures. The indications for such treatment are:

• more than two episodes per month for up to 3 days;
• taking medications to relieve headaches twice a week or more;
• the presence of contraindications to the use of drugs for the treatment of the disease in the acute period.

For preventive therapy, the following are prescribed:

• Β-adrenergic receptor blockers (Propranolol, Metoprolol, Timolol, etc.). Side effects include increased fatigue and depression. Contraindicated in bronchial asthma, diabetes mellitus, atrioventricular conduction disorders.
• Valproate (preparations containing valproic acid and its derivatives). Of the complications, an increase in body weight is noted. Contraindicated in pregnancy and liver damage.
• Antiserotonergic drugs (Metysergide, Pizotifen). Usually prescribed for short-term use, as long-term use increases the risk of thrombosis and obesity.
• Calcium antagonists (Flunarizine, Verapamil). Shown with concomitant hypertension. But against the background of treatment, drowsiness and depression are possible.
• NSAIDs (Naproxen, Ibuprofen). Suitable for a single dose, as long-term use is fraught with increased frequency of headache attacks. Not prescribed for ulcerative and erosive lesions of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Sedativesa (Amitriptyline, etc.). Prescribed when identifying a connection between a migraine attack and an emotional state.
• Hormonal drugs. It is used to normalize the level of sex hormones, to equalize fluctuations during the menstrual cycle.
• Botulinum toxin. Botox injections help relax the muscles and block the transmission of nerve impulses. Injections are made subcutaneously in the area of ​​the pain localization foci.

But how to get rid of a migraine attack if the pain syndrome has already begun?

Doctors recommend:

• take a comfortable relaxed position, it is better to lie down;
• drink a tablet of Naproxen or another drug from the NSAID group, an antispasmodic (No-shpa, Drotaverin, etc.);
• close the curtains tightly, avoid harsh sounds and bright light;
• drink water or green tea (black tea, coffee, carbonated drinks are categorically contraindicated);
• massage reflex points.

One of the most effective drugs that will quickly save you from a migraine attack are drugs from the triptan group. But it is important to take them at the first symptoms of an exacerbation. Assign:

• Sumatriptan;
• Zolmitriptan;
• Naratriptan;
• Rizatriptan;
• Almotriptan.

More recently, the authoritative American medical journal published data on the effectiveness of magnetic impulses for stopping migraine attacks. According to scientists, such radiation affects the transmission of nerve signals, restores the tone of blood vessels and blocks the further spread of pain. Portable devices have been developed that work on this principle, for example, Diamag, Almag and some others. Their undoubted advantage is the possibility of independent use at home.

How to remove migraines without pills: massage methods, hydro and psychotherapy, folk remedies

One of the first aid techniques for stopping a migraine attack is a regular massage. Schematic representations of reflex points are approximate enough.

Therefore, to alleviate the condition, the following techniques are recommended:

• When localizing pain in the temples, it is necessary to find points, pressure on which causes intense pain. They are massaged in a circular motion, at first you need to press lightly, then the force of pressure is gradually increased.
• If you are concerned about the pain in the forehead, you should grab the eyebrows with two fingers, raise them strongly and pull them back. Then, for 3 - 5 minutes, massage the point located in the middle between the eyebrows above the bridge of the nose. After that, gently rub your forehead with your palm until a feeling of warmth appears.
• For pain in the back of the head, you need to massage all painful points on the back of the neck and back of the head in a circular motion. Then the scalp should be intensively rubbed with up and down movements.

According to adherents of alternative medicine, to solve the problem of how to permanently remove migraines without pills, you can use folk recipes:

• Drink three times a day 10 ml of basil infusion (pour a tablespoon of the herb with a glass of boiling water and leave for 15 minutes). After that, you need to eat a tablespoon of honey.
• When a headache appears, a piece of bandage soaked in such a solution is applied to the forehead and temples. Mix in equal proportions lemon balm and mint leaves, chopped coriander fruits. Six tablespoons of the mixture are poured with half a glass of medical alcohol and 20 ml of water. Insist in the refrigerator for 24 hours and drain.
• Boil a tablespoon of dill seeds in a glass of milk for 5 minutes. Drink in small portions throughout the day.

Local hand and foot baths can help relieve migraine headaches. For the procedure, it is recommended to mix a few tablespoons of mustard powder and the same amount of ordinary flour. Add a little water and stir until a thick gruel is obtained. Dissolve in a bowl with 5 - 6 liters of water at a temperature of about 45 - 50º. Keep until the skin is reddened, then rinse off the remnants of mustard under running water.

Migraines are often associated with an unstable emotional state. In such a situation, psychotherapy will help. The specialist will find out the causes of the problems, discuss options for their calm resolution, give advice on building rules for communication in the family, with colleagues.

Most migraine medications are contraindicated during pregnancy.

Therefore, in order to avoid bouts of the disease during this period, doctors recommend:

• sleep at least 8 - 9 hours a day;
• eat well;
• observe the drinking regime;
• doing yoga, swimming and other acceptable and safe sports;
• walk often;
• take vitamins containing magnesium, folic acid and B vitamins.

To relieve headaches, it is advised to do acupressure. Of the medicines, only Paracetamol is allowed. Herbal teas are also helpful. It is recommended to brew mint, lemon balm, chamomile, currant leaves.

To prevent migraine attacks, you need to get enough sleep, not to overwork. Alcohol, sausage and confectionery, pickles and smoked meats, snacks, coffee and caffeinated drinks should be excluded from the daily diet. Traditional healers offer many ways to remove migraines without pills. But in a serious condition, it is necessary to resort to the help of traditional medicine.