What to do about migraines?

Written by Zhang Hui

Neurology

Updated on January 03, 2025

00:00

00:00

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.)

Other Voices

home-news-image

Written by Zhang Hui

Neurology

56sec

home-news-image

What are the symptoms of migraines?

The main symptoms of migraines include the patient experiencing photophobia and phonophobia, meaning a sensitivity to light and sound respectively. These stimuli can significantly worsen the headache. Patients often prefer to rest or sleep in a quiet environment. The second major symptom is a pronounced pulsating headache on one side, where the patient can feel a palpable throbbing of the blood vessels. Additionally, patients may also experience significant nausea and vomiting. Some migraine sufferers may have visual disturbances, such as seeing flashes of light or observing moving water-like visuals. At times, migraine patients may also experience episodes of vertigo, referred to as cluster migraines. Therefore, it is evident that migraine symptoms are quite common and need to be recognized and treated accordingly.

home-news-image

Written by Liu Yan Hao

Neurology

57sec

home-news-image

How to relieve a migraine?

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.

home-news-image

Written by Feng Ying Shuai

Traditional Chinese Medicine

57sec

home-news-image

Which area is moxibustion applied for migraines?

Migraines can be relieved through moxibustion by targeting specific acupoints to alleviate headache symptoms. Firstly, local acupoints can be selected; for migraines, you can use the Ah-Shi points, and also massage points such as the temples, Si Zhu Kong, Jiao Sun, Shuai Gu, and Feng Chi. Additionally, based on differential diagnosis, distant acupoints may be chosen. For instance, if the migraine is caused by external pathogens, add Feng Chi and Feng Fu points. If caused by phlegm and turbidity disturbances, add Feng Long and Zu San Li to clear phlegm and reduce turbidity. For migraines due to deficiency of qi and blood, add Qi Hai, Xue Hai, and Zu San Li to nourish yin and replenish qi, with the aim of treating deficiencies and alleviating pain.

home-news-image

Written by Liu Yan Hao

Neurology

54sec

home-news-image

Can I wash my hair if I have a migraine?

Patients with migraines should avoid washing their hair during an attack. Water that is too hot or too cold can stimulate the dilation or spasm of cerebral blood vessels, potentially worsening migraine symptoms. Therefore, it is advised not to wash hair during a migraine attack, though it is fine during remission periods. During a migraine attack, symptomatic oral pain relievers and medications to alleviate vascular spasms can be used for treatment. It is important to prevent migraines by avoiding staying up late and overexertion. Additionally, certain foods known to trigger migraines should be avoided, including foods containing nitrites such as leftovers, pickled vegetables, and other preserved foods which may contain nitrites. Foods like red wine and cheese can also trigger migraines and should be consumed with caution. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

home-news-image

Written by Zhang Hui

Neurology

51sec

home-news-image

What to eat for migraine?

Patients with migraines, when suffering from an attack, need to take some medications for treatment. Commonly used medications include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers, which are effective for many patients. Additionally, specific anti-migraine drugs, such as ergot preparations, can also be used. Dietary considerations are also important; it is recommended that migraine sufferers eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits to help supplement sufficient folic acid and vitamins, which have a very beneficial impact on blood vessels, because migraines are caused by vascular dysfunction. Furthermore, eating foods rich in B vitamins, such as lean meats, rice, millet, and sorghum is advisable. Migraine patients should avoid eating pickled foods, cheese, or chocolate.