Migraine treatment at MedCare Health Clinic – Discover relief from debilitating migraines with our tailored treatment options. At MedCare Health Clinic, we understand the varied and often incapacitating nature of migraines, which can manifest as severe headaches accompanied by nausea, light, sound, and odour sensitivity.
While there is no definitive cure for migraines, those with a prior diagnosis can benefit from our hassle-free, virtual consultation process. Once assessed, we’ll prescribe an appropriate and effective treatment to alleviate your symptoms.
Migraines are often characterized by intense, throbbing headaches, predominantly affecting one side of the head, along with potential additional symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to stimuli.
The three primary migraine types are:
1. Migraine without aura – the most prevalent form.
2. Migraine with aura.
3. Silent migraine (migraine aura without headache).
Auras, which may consist of visual disturbances like flashing lights or blind spots, usually precede or coincide with the headache.
A migraine episode may include the following symptoms:
• Severe headache lasting up to several days.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Sensitivity to light or sound.
Additional symptoms can encompass:
• Abdominal pain.
• Diarrhea.
• Dizziness.
• Excessive sweating.
• Impaired concentration.
• Extreme temperature sensitivity.
Aura warning signs Auras typically present as:
• Visual disturbances (flashing lights, blind spots).
• Tingling or numbness in the hand, moving up to the face, lips, and tongue.
• Speech difficulties.
• Dizziness.
• Auditory issues.
The exact cause remains unclear, although it is believed that abnormal brain activity can impact blood vessels in the brain, resulting in migraines.
Migraines can be hereditary, with approximately half of sufferers having a close relative who also experiences them.
Identifying and avoiding triggers is beneficial. Potential triggers include:
• Physical: fatigue, poor sleep, tension, low blood sugar, fasting.
• Emotional: stress, anxiety, excitement, depression, shock.
• Hormonal: menstrual cycle-related.
• Medication-related: sleeping pills, contraceptive pills, hormone replacement therapy.
• Dietary: alcohol, caffeine, specific foods, dehydration, irregular eating.
• Environmental: bright lights, loud noises, strong odours, weather changes.
Effective treatment can include over-the-counter pain relievers (paracetamol, ibuprofen), prescription medications, and lifestyle modifications. For accompanying nausea and vomiting, anti-emetic medications can be useful.
MedCare Health Clinic facilitates the online procurement of prescription migraine treatments. After a brief symptom questionnaire, our healthcare professionals can issue the necessary prescription, ensuring prompt delivery.
Over-the-Counter Painkillers Common options include paracetamol, aspirin, and ibuprofen, preferably taken at the onset of symptoms.
Triptans Triptans, or 5-HT1 agonists, stimulate serotonin production to constrict blood vessels, typically alleviating headaches within 30 minutes to an hour. These can include:
• Sumatriptan tablets.
• Imigran Nasal Spray.
• Migraitan Tablets.
• Maxalt Melt Tablets.
• Buccastem M.
• Imigran Recovery.
Eligibility for migraine treatment Migraine treatments are not suitable for everyone, particularly those with:
• Severe liver issues.
• Impaired kidney function or dialysis requirements.
• Age under 18.
• Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or pregnancy plans.
Inform your doctor if you’re currently taking:
• Other migraine treatments.
• Antidepressants (SSRI, SNRI, MAOI).
• Itraconazole and clarithromycin (fungal/bacterial infections).
• Ritonavir and efavirenz (HIV infections).
• St. John’s wort (depression).
• Bosentan (high blood pressure).
• Phenobarbital (epilepsy).
• Rifampicin (tuberculosis).
• Modafinil (narcolepsy).
Understanding your triggers and adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly mitigate migraines. Recommendations include:
• Adequate sleep.
• Regular exercise.
• Staying hydrated.
• Balanced, timely meals.
• Maintaining a healthy weight.
• Moderate caffeine and alcohol consumption.
Natural treatments Although medical evidence is limited, some natural remedies have shown potential in migraine prevention, such as:
• Magnesium (especially for menstrual migraines and migraines with aura).
• Riboflavin (vitamin B2).
• Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10).
• Feverfew.
• Butterbur.
Always consult your healthcare provider before trying natural supplements, particularly if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Understanding Triggers: Keeping a migraine diary can help identify patterns.
Medication Adherence: Following prescription guidelines is crucial.
Regular Check-ups: Ongoing management and adjustments to treatment plans.