How do you manage a migraine?

A migraine is a type of headache. There are two categories of headaches - primary and secondary. Migraines are clinical diagnoses and fall under primary headaches. So, you won't need medical tests for migraine because it isn't caused by a different underlying health issue. Types of migraines are differentiated by aura, a group of sensory, motor, and speech symptoms. Think of aura as a warning signal of a migraine.

Some people experience migraine with aura where specific warning signals appear before the headache pain. Aura symptoms include seeing flashing lights, tingling skin, numbness, changes in speech, smell, or taste, ringing ears, and temporary vision loss. But most people experience migraines without aura, where the headache starts without warning signals. Here are other types of migraine:

Ø  Migraine without head pain: This type of migraine is also known as silent migraine. You experience the aura warning signals but not the headache.

Ø  Hemiplegic migraine: People with this migraine can develop neurological or sensory changes or temporary paralysis. But it only affects one side of the body. You may experience a loss of sensation, numbness, dizziness, and extreme weakness at the onset of hemiplegic migraine.

Ø  Retinal migraine: Also known as ocular migraine, this type of migraine starts with a dull pain behind the eye, which spreads to the rest of the head. It can lead to partial or complete vision loss in one eye that lasts for a minute, hours, or months.

Ø  Chronic migraine: People with this migraine experience severe headaches at least 15 days per month. They often use migraine relief tablets 10-15 days a month to manage the pain and ever-changing symptoms.

Ø  Migraine with brainstem aura: People with this migraine can experience slurred speech, double vision, ringing in the ears, vomiting, or loss of balance. These symptoms can occur suddenly before or during the headache.

Most people experience these five types of migraines. But some people suffer from a rare and severe migraine known as status migrainosus. This migraine is accompanied by excruciating headaches and nausea lasting over 72 hours. The best headache tablets can help you manage symptoms and pain. However, a retinal migraine could signal an underlying medical issue. If you experience this type of migraine, report it to your doctor or healthcare provider.

Unfortunately, there's no cure for migraines. But you can rely on migraine relief tablets to reduce the symptoms. One of the best migraine medications in the UK is Sumatriptan. It falls under Triptan abortive medications, which help reverse the changes in the brain that cause migraines. These medicines constrict and release blood vessels to relieve the throbbing pain. You can rely on Sumatriptan tablets to stop the headache process. Take the migraine tablets while the pain is mild. Doctors recommend Sumatriptan 50 mg for people with mild to moderate migraines. You can also buy Sumatriptan 100 mg in the UK to manage severe migraine symptoms.

Doctors recommend over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen to manage migraines. Another option is anti-emetics which helps relieve nausea. But these tablets for headaches only reduce the pain or nausea without addressing other migraine symptoms. Unlike over-the-counter painkillers, Sumatriptan migraine tablets are formulated to target all the issues. It can stop or decrease headaches, nausea, light sensitivity, dizziness, and more. So, the best way to manage all the symptoms is to use migraine tablets. Ensure to take your Sumatriptan tablets at the first sign of a migraine.  

Another issue with over-the-counter painkillers is the risk of overuse or abuse. They relieve pain for short periods. So, people with chronic migraine or severe pain can overuse them. This unfavourable situation increases the risk of analgesic-rebound headaches or dependency problems. Don’t take over-the-counter pain medications more than 2-3 times weekly. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare provider to determine the best headache tablets to manage migraine symptoms without risks.

Prevention strategies rely on an in-depth understanding of the root causes. But the exact cause of migraines is unknown. Most people who experience migraine headaches have a relative with neurological disease. So, genes may play a role in the development of migraines. Other risk factors include gender, stress, and lifestyle habits like smoking. You can avoid the specific triggers that contribute to or cause your migraines. For example, reducing stress can minimize the risk of developing migraines. Another option is to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Quit smoking, stay hydrated, and limit caffeine and alcohol intake. These changes can help minimize headaches. If these tactics don't work, use migraine tablets like Sumatriptan to manage the symptoms.

Some experts believe that migraines occur due to changes in the chemicals, nerves, and blood vessels in the brain. So, doctors prescribe preventive (prophylactic) medications to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines. This option is recommended for people with frequent and severe headaches that significantly interfere with daily life and activities. But you’ll have to take the medication daily to prevent migraines.

Migraine is characterized by throbbing pain on one side of the head. Although there's no cure for migraines, you can manage the symptoms using the best headache tablets. Doctors prescribe Sumatriptan 50 mg or 100 mg for people with mild, moderate, or severe migraines. You can buy Sumatriptan tablets in the UK to manage migraine symptoms. Ensure to get your migraine tablets from an approved and trusted pharmacist. Don’t allow migraine to affect your quality of life or disrupt your daily activities.