Migraine is an incapacitating neurological disorder accompanied by chronic headache, nausea, vertigo and visual and sensory distortions. It is triggered by various factors such as excessive smoking, consumption of alcohol, lack of sleep or too much sleep, delayed or missed meals, stress and hormonal imbalance. Women are more susceptible to developing migraines than men and can become irritable and fatigued when hit by an attack.

Owing to contemporary lifestyles, increased work load and lack of a stable schedule, more and more people are being diagnosed with this disorder. Everyone wants to know how to get rid of a migraine. With a plethora of treatment options available nowadays, you can choose what suits you best. It is essential for you to consult a doctor and get yourself checked in order to confirm that you are suffering from migraine and not any other disorder.

How to get rid of a migraine? - Treatment options for everyone:

Medicines: There are numerous non-prescription and prescription medicines available in the market that can help you deal with the pain associated with a migraine attack. The most commonly used non-prescription medications include aspirin, acetaminophen, naproxen sodium and ibuprofen. These drugs are recommended for treating mild to moderate intensity migraines. For getting relief from severe migraine pain you can take prescription drugs such as triptans and ergotamines.

Botox injections: The discovery of botox or botulinum toxin for the treatment of migraine was made by accident. When patients suffering from chronic migraines took Botox shots for getting rid of wrinkles, they found a considerable reduction in the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks. These injections are given intramuscularly and can help provide migraine relief.

Changes in lifestyle:

Quit smoking: Nicotine is known to trigger a migraine attack. Both active and passive smokers are at an increased risk of developing migraine and must quit at the earliest.

Alcohol consumption: Consuming alcohol and wine is another risk factor for migraine and must be avoided in order to divert an attack.

Stress: Increased hours of work, physical strain and tension cal trigger a migraine attack. It is therefore, important for you to adopt stress management options to get rid of a migraine. This can include time for recreation, sports and doing what you like.

Exercise: If you are overstressed and do not have for exercising, you are in for trouble. Exercising helps combat stress and initiates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain killers. You can always go for a quick walk, try yoga exercises and stretching to keep yourself in good shape.

Diet: It is essential for you to take your meals on time and avoid gong hungry in order to divert a migraine attack. Foods such as chocolates, aged cheeses, fermented foods, pickles, processed meat, nuts and foods containing monosodium glutamate must be eliminated from the diet.

Other preventive techniques:

It is best to lie down in a dark room and take rest when you sense a migraine attack.

Migraines respond well to biofeedback and can be diverted by various relaxation techniques such as meditation and deep breathing exercises.

Aromatherapy or the use of essential oils can help prevent a full blast migraine attack. Oils of lavender, clove, peppermint, eucalyptus and sandalwood can be used as inhalants or massage oils.