Migraine can be a debilitating problem. It can be due to neurological issues and this is why you may visit a neurologist to seek the right migraine treatment. The National Migraine Centre explain that the word migraine can mean the attack itself. It can also mean the underlying disease that causes the attack. It can occur on one side of the head, swap sides or even be across the whole skull, causing real pain and discomfort.
Options for Migraine Treatment
While headache is a very common neurological disorder, migraine is more complex and often much more debilitating.
Acute migraine treatment is usually a combination of painkilling medications and triptans. Not all painkillers are effective in treating migraine. Many patients find they feel better when taking aspirin and ibuprofen rather than paracetamol or even codeine. Other stronger versions of ibuprofen in the form of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed by a doctor too. Triptans are not painkillers but are often used in the treatment of migraine. They mimic serotonin in the body and can help to limit the impact of a migraine.
To manage and live with acute migraine, the right treatment is necessary. Each patients’ experiences are unique, and this is why it can take some time and experimentation to find the right treatment. Working with a consultant neurologist can help give patients access to the latest treatments and regular opportunities to tweak and change their medication to find the best solution.
Considering Preventative Migraine Treatment
Frequent migraine attacks can make day-to-day living very difficult. Similarly, if the migraine treatments currently available are not working so well, a patient may look more closely at preventative methods. Some patients take daily medication to prevent the chance of attacks occurring. These medications mainly work on serotonin and they may take a few months to work. Gauging whether they work also depends on patients keeping a migraine diary and documenting their symptoms daily. This allows doctors to see whether the medication has had any positive impact on the patient and their condition.
Most patients will begin migraine treatment, keep a diary of their attacks and also be mindful of any known triggers.
Appointments for Migraine Treatment
Dr Paviour is an experienced, London-based consultant neurologist. He holds clinics at a range of locations for new and returning patients. Patients can discuss their symptoms, migraine occurrences and the right migraine treatment for their situation. You can discuss arranging an appointment with his team via our contact page.
