Migraine headaches can be debilitating, result in lost hours at work and time spent away from friends and loved ones. Migraines are quite common, as studies estimate 12% of the United States population experiences them.

Researchers aren’t certain about what causes migraines, but studies indicate genetics plays a role in their severity and frequency. Migraines occur when nerves in blood vessels send pain signals to the brain, releasing inflammatory substances into the head’s nerves and blood vessels. Migraines can cause severe, throbbing pain, or a pulsing sensation, usually on one side of the head. This is often accompanied by extreme sensitivity to light and sound, nausea and vomiting. Attacks may last anywhere from a few hours to several days.

When suffering a migraine, people want to alleviate symptoms as quickly as possible. These options, courtesy of the Association of Migraine Disorders®, may be helpful when a migraine strikes.

Lifestyle changes.

Lifestyle choices that promote good health can reduce the number of migraines a person has and lessen the pain. Taming stress and spending time in a calm environment may keep migraines at bay. Heating pads can relax tense muscles, and warm showers may be soothing. It’s important to maintain regular sleeping patterns and unwind at the end of the day. Eat a healthy diet and avoid any foods and beverages that can trigger migraines, such as wine, aged cheese, and chocolate. Don’t skip meals, as fasting increases the risk of migraines.

Preventive treatments.

Preventive treatments aim to reduce severity and frequency of migraine attacks. Many options listed below originally designed for other ailments have been used as “off-label” migraine treatments.

  • Antidepressants: Antidepressants stabilize levels of neurotransmitters in the brain and may help with pain.
  • Anti-seizure medications: These medicines are thought to calm hyper-excitable nerve cells in the brain.
  • Botulinum toxin: This neurotoxin is used for the prevention of chronic migraines in adults. It is injected in key muscles of the head and neck to help block pain-signaling chemicals.
  • Beta-blockers: Typically used for high blood pressure, beta-blockers affect the blood vessels in the brain, make the nervous system less excitable and increase activity in the hypothalamus.

Acute treatments.

Certain treatments are used when migraines are about to occur or are occurring. These may be over the counter (OTC) or prescription options.

  • OTC: OTC pain killers like acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen help some people who suffer from migraines.
  • Caffeine: Whether on its own or mixed with NSAIDs, caffeine in small amounts can be helpful in easing migraine symptoms.
  • Triptans: Triptans target specific serotonin receptors on the brain’s blood vessels and nerve endings. They also narrow blood vessels to decrease inflammation and pain.
  • Gepants: CGRP is a protein found in the peripheral and central nervous system. Levels of CGRP are higher during a migraine attack. Gepants target CGRP and block it from attaching to its receptor in the nervous system.

Nerve blocks, eye drops, and even neuromodulation also may be options for people experiencing intense or frequent migraines. It’s important to speak with a doctor about the treatments available.