How to relieve a migraine?

Written by Liu Yan Hao
Neurology
Updated on February 18, 2025
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When a migraine occurs, one can temporarily take some painkillers for symptomatic treatment, which can quickly alleviate the pain. The prerequisite is to ensure that it is indeed a migraine. Typically, before a migraine starts, there are some precursor symptoms related to vision where one might experience blurred vision, distorted vision, or see wave-like patterns in front of their eyes. The headache symptoms often follow these visual symptoms after a short duration. Migraines can recur, and even without treatment, some may completely resolve within a few hours, which is typical of migraines. The occurrence of a migraine generally does not have a major impact on one's health, so one can take painkillers for symptomatic treatment. Additionally, it is advisable to avoid staying up late and overworking. Foods such as pickled products, cheese, and red wine should also be avoided as much as possible, as they can trigger migraine attacks.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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The causes of migraine

Migraine is a very common type of headache in neurology, and the causes of migraines mainly include the following aspects. The first aspect, it may be caused by the dysfunction of vasoconstriction and dilation. Constriction of the blood vessels inside the skull leads to the precursor of migraine, and then dilation leads to the onset of the headache. The second reason to consider is that migraines may be caused by the cortical spreading depression. The third reason, it may also be due to trigeminal ganglion lesions causing migraine attacks, the specific mechanism of which is actually not very clear. The occurrence of a migraine also has some triggers, for example, consuming cheese, pickled products, chocolate, and wine can all potentially trigger migraines, which should be avoided.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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How long will it take for the migraine to get better?

Migraine is very prevalent among young and middle-aged people, with sufferers usually experiencing unilateral, though sometimes bilateral, pulsating headaches. These may accompany a sensitivity to light and sound, along with significant nausea and vomiting. Typically, migraines resolve within 4-72 hours, meaning recovery generally occurs within three days. If it doesn’t resolve within three days, it’s referred to as a status migrainosus. During an acute migraine episode, it is important to rest, ensure adequate sleep, consume more fruits, and take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for treatment. Specific pain relievers such as triptans may also be used, and concurrent complications should be addressed. Furthermore, if migraines recur frequently, prophylactic treatment with medications like beta-blockers may be considered. (Please consult a professional physician before taking any medication.)

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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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Where does the migraine hurt?

The location of migraine pain is generally most commonly on one side, particularly in the frontal and temporal areas, which are the temples. Patients may feel a distinct pulsing in the blood vessels, and the pain can be quite severe, accompanied by significant nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms. However, some migraine sufferers experience bilateral pain in the frontal and temporal areas, meaning both temples feel significantly painful. The treatment primarily involves administering non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain medications. If the patient also experiences significant nausea and vomiting, these symptoms need to be addressed as well. Additionally, migraine sufferers tend to be very sensitive to strong light and sound stimuli; it is recommended that they rest in bed during a migraine attack. If migraine attacks are frequent, it is advisable to take preventative medications orally.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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What to do about migraines?

Migraine prevalence is relatively high, and for those experiencing migraines, the following treatments are recommended: First, it is essential to maintain a calm emotional state and avoid excessive stress. Secondly, medication can be used for treatment. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used and are effective for many patients. However, if there is no relief after taking these, or if the pain is very severe, medications specifically for treating migraines such as ergot derivatives and triptans may be prescribed. Third, if the migraine is accompanied by nausea and vomiting, antiemetic drugs can be used. Additionally, if the patient with migraine also experiences significant restlessness or anxiety, an appropriate amount of sedative medication can be applied. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)