What are the available treatments for migraine?
Treatment of migraine maybe subdivided into two parts- one to control the individual attack and the other to prevent the attacks. Treatment should be started immediately at the onset of headache. In mild cases acetaminophen is sufficient. In treating acute severe attacks of migraine, the ergot alkaloids like dihydroergotamine and sumatriptan is used. Newer drugs like zolmitriptan and rizatriptan can also be used. Elderly patients should be cautious while taking there drugs and pregnant women should not be given these drugs. How to prevent migraine? For prevention, drugs like propronolol,clonidine are useful. Amitriptyline can also be used. Flunarizine is the most effective among all the drugs. If the patient has hypertension it should be controlled, oral contraceptives should be discontinued and dietary modification (for example red wine can be avoided if it precipitates attack) will help in preventing migraine attacks. Yoga and meditation may be helpful.
