Migraine is a neurological disorder accompanied by severe headache on one side of the head, nausea, dizziness, vomiting and increased sensitivity to light, sound and smell. It is a common disorder and is known to affect 15% women and 5% men in the general population. All age groups of people can be affected by migraine, even children and infants. Thus, it is essential for you to have optimum knowledge about the various migraine headache relief options so that you can relieve yourself from this debilitating ailment.

There are two types of approaches for dealing with migraines- Medicinal and non-medicinal. The former aims at providing relief through drug therapy, while the latter is more of a preventive approach rather than a direct form of treatment.

Medications for migraine headache relief: There are a variety of non-prescription and prescription drugs easily available at local drug stores that have been developed to provide relief from migraine headache and its associated symptoms. Some of the most commonly used over the counter (OTC) drugs are Excedrin Migraine, Motrin Migraine and Advil migraine. These have been approved by the Food and Drug Association (FDA) and help provide enormous relief.

Other handy medicines are aspirin, acetaminophen, naproxen sodium and ibuprofen that are used to treat mild to moderate intensity headaches. Another class of drugs called Tryptans are used for treating severe migraine headaches and are available only when prescribed by a registered medical practitioner. Sumatriptan, Rizatriptan and Eletryptan belong to this category. Erogtamines, antidepressants and cardiovascular drugs are also administered for the treatment of migraine headaches.

Non-medicinal migraine headache relief options:

Drugs might work fast and help suppress the symptoms of a migraine headache but they have numerous side effects that can be harmful for the body in the long run. Therefore, it is best to opt for a natural or preventive treatment such as herbs, aromatherapy or relaxation techniques that benefit the mind and body and reduce the frequency and intensity of these attacks.

Relaxation: Deep breathing exercises and meditation helps relax the mind and body and alleviates stress, one of the most common triggers of a migraine attack.

Exercise: Regular exercise is responsible for the release of endorphins or the ‘happy hormones’, the body’s natural pain killing opiates. Going for a shot walk or trying some fitness ball exercises can help bust stress and prevent the advent of a migraine attack.

Herbs: Certain herbs such as gingko biloba, St. John’s wart, feverfew, chamomile, rosemary and peppermint have analgesic and relaxing properties. They can be taken as teas or along with salads to divert migraines.

Aromatherapy: This branch of alternative medicine can work wonders and provide instant migraine headache relief. Essential oils can be used as inhalants, in cols compress and as massage oils. Some of the most valuable essential oils for migraine relief are lavender, peppermint, sandalwood and eucalyptus.