What to do about migraines?

Written by Tang Li Li
Neurology
Updated on September 23, 2024
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Migraine is a very common neurological disorder, generally related to dysfunction in vascular contraction and expansion, abnormal neurotransmitter secretion in the brain, and trigeminal nerve dysfunction. If a patient experiences recurring headaches, they can visit the department of neurology for a comprehensive examination using cranial CT or MRI. Once intracranial organic diseases are ruled out, a diagnosis of migraine can generally be confirmed, and related treatment can be administered. If a patient experiences frequent headaches, but they are not severe, long-term oral administration of traditional Chinese medicine can be prescribed, typically for a course of at least 28 days. If the headaches are severe but occur less frequently, temporary oral administration of pain relief medication may be recommended, commonly using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

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Written by Feng Ying Shuai
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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Which part to massage for migraine?

Migraine is a clinical symptom where the patient perceives pain. Which areas should we massage? This depends on specific clinical symptoms of the patient. For example, if the pain occurs in the forehead, we would select acupuncture points on the forehead such as Yangbai and Zanzhu, including Sizhukong and Jingming. For distal points, we can choose Neiting to massage. Of course, if the pain is at the top of the head, we can select local points like Baihui and Tongtian, and choose Xingjian for distal points for massage. If the pain is on the sides of the head, we would select the wrist bone and Sizhukong, and then choose Waiguan for distal massage.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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How to suppress migraine and vomiting?

Patients with migraines typically experience unilateral or bilateral pulsating headaches. During severe headache episodes, they often experience significant symptoms of nausea and vomiting. This is because migraines can disrupt autonomic nervous function, and some neural nuclei in the brainstem emit impulses that cause nausea and vomiting. The treatment for vomiting includes the following aspects: First, patients should rest and avoid consuming foods that are hard to digest or are very tough. Second, patients can take orally or receive muscle injections of medications that treat vomiting, primarily those that promote gastrointestinal motility. Third, treating the migraine itself involves providing the patient with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain relief. Once the headache is alleviated, the nausea and vomiting will naturally subside.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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How to alleviate migraine symptoms?

When a migraine attack occurs, the clinical manifestations are very obvious. The patient will experience moderate to severe headaches, accompanied by nausea and vomiting, which are quite painful. Generally, the following methods can be used to relieve the symptoms: First, most patients can take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesics, which can inhibit the production of inflammatory mediators and have a significant effect on relieving pain. Second, if the patient's headache is very severe, they can also choose specific ergot preparations or triptan medications for treatment. Third, accompanying symptoms should be promptly addressed. If nausea and vomiting occur, some antiemetic agents can be administered via muscle injection. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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How to treat migraines

The incidence of migraines is still very high, and the pain can be quite severe, affecting patients' work and daily life, preventing them from resting well. The main treatments include the following: First, maintain the patient's emotional stability and keep the patient calm, avoiding strong lights and loud noises as much as possible to create a quiet environment. Second, administer oral non-steroidal analgesics for pain relief, or take ergot preparations for pain relief. Third, patients sometimes exhibit obvious anxiety and can take benzodiazepines for related treatment, as well as certain anti-anxiety medications. Fourth, if the patient experiences nausea and vomiting, symptomatic treatment should be given, including antiemetic medications. If the patient has frequent episodes, prophylactic treatment with receptor blockers can be used.

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Written by Liu Yan Hao
Neurology
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Can you drink alcohol with a migraine?

Patients with migraines can appropriately drink some white liquor or beer, which is generally not a problem, but they must not drink red wine. This is because red wine and dairy products, such as cheese, can induce migraine attacks. Additionally, pickled foods like pickled vegetables contain nitrites, which can also trigger migraine attacks; therefore, it is best to avoid pickled foods as much as possible. Typically, before a migraine attack, there is a precursor symptom where vision changes occur. After these precursor symptoms disappear, migraine symptoms emerge. During a migraine attack, oral pain relievers can be taken for symptomatic treatment. Some patients may find relief on their own a few hours after not taking medicine. Symptoms may recur, so it is generally advised to identify and avoid these triggers to prevent migraine attacks.