This type of headache is more common and 80% of sufferers will experience this type. Usually only head pain is experienced and there is no pre-headache stage. Generally there are pre-pain signals like being unusually talkative, mood swings or difficulty concentrating. Food cravings are common as is yawning. Remember that in children, throbbing abdominal pain may be felt instead of headache.
After a Migraine Attack
Once the headache starts to abate you will feel tired and drained and may need to pass a large amount or retained urine. Possibly the best thing to do once you are pain free is to sleep for as long as possible. It may take a few days to recover your energy and concentration but after that you will be completely unaffected by your migraine attack.
Treatment for Migraine
There are a few medications available that are used as a treatment for migraine but many people rely on more natural methods for relief. A mild analgesic or anti-nausea medication can be used but children under the age of twelve should never be given aspirin.
Ibuprofen is sometimes used as are the Triptans but these are not recommended for use in children. Always take any medication at the first sign of an attack as it won’t be effective once the stomach goes into gastric stasis. This stops absorption of the drug.
Medication isn’t always used, however, and the attack is often allowed to run its course with home nursing and comfort. If you feel you really can’t cope with your attacks, ask your doctor for more advice. There aren’t any preventative medications approved for use in children but propranolol is sometimes used. The use of daily preventative drugs in children is not recommended.
Other Therapies as a Treatment for Migraine
You may find biofeedback training or auto-hypnosis, meditation, yoga and relaxation techniques and acupuncture helpful. The goal is alleviating pain and controlling the vascular system. Always consult a specialist and have these therapies performed under medical supervision.
Biofeedback
Using electronic equipment to monitor and display the workings of your autonomic nervous system, a biofeedback practitioner tries to change the bodies pain response using a range of behavioral techniques. The heart rate, brain waves, temperature, muscle tension and blood pressure are all employed in an attempt to minimize pain. Flashing lights or noises provide clues to how well the biofeedback is working. The idea is to learn to control the way in which is body operates by means of concentration and visualization. Your doctor may be able to refer you to a biofeedback practitioner who offers treatment for migraine.
Clinical Hypnosis
The goal of clinical hypnosis is to provide help with managing triggers, eliminating psychological stress and to change how the body’s autonomic nervous system works. It is often focused on the circulatory system since it is believed that dilation of blood vessels can be stopped if the attack is still in an early stage. If this can be controlled the attack may be aborted. Hypnosis makes use of imagery and talk therapy where the body is instructed verbally to behave in a certain way. It can be learned in a half hour session but follow ups are needed to polish the techniques of speaking to the sub-conscious. This treatment for migraine may not be good for very small children.
Massage
Massaging the head and neck during an attack may provide relief but this must always be done gently to avoid causing further pain. Massage is a good way to relieve stress. Reverse the common massage practice and massage away from the heart to encourage blood flow back into the hands, and feet.
How to Cope with Migraines
Treatment for migraine is based on rest and inactivity. Take your medication at the first sign of an attack and go to bed in a quiet, dark room. Use a comfortable pillow to keep the head slightly elevated but relaxed. If you do vomit make sure you drink plenty of fluids. You probably won’t feel like eating and this is not a problem. Apply cold packs or a compress as a treatment for migraine especially to the temples and forehead for some relief. If possible, allow yourself to fall asleep.
