She Strengthens

Breaking Free from Migraine Pain

Are you tired of living with debilitating headaches that disrupt your daily life? You’re not alone. Migraines affect millions of people worldwide, causing excruciating pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. The good news is that recent advancements in migraine treatment have opened up new avenues for managing this chronic condition.

Understanding Migraines

Migraines are more than just severe headaches. They can last anywhere from 4 hours to 3 days, causing significant distress and impairment. People with migraines often experience symptoms so painful that they need to skip work, school, or social activities. However, with the right treatment and lifestyle changes, it’s possible to live a normal life despite this condition.

CGRP Inhibitors: A Game-Changer in Migraine Treatment

In 2018, CGRP inhibitors revolutionized the treatment of chronic migraines. These medications work by targeting a specific protein (CGRP) that’s known to cause migraines. There are two types of CGRPs: monoclonal antibodies and CGRP receptor antagonists.

Monoclonal antibodies, such as erenumab (Aimovig), eptinezumab-jjmr (Vyepti), fremanezumab-vfrm (Ajovy), and galcanezumab (Emgality), are administered through injection once a month. They have shown promising results in reducing migraine frequency and severity. Vyepti is administered through an IV by a medical professional, while the other drugs can be self-administered or administered with the help of a loved one.

CGRP receptor antagonists, such as ubrogepant (Ubrelvy) and rimegepant sulfate (Nurtec ODT), are taken orally to reduce pain from acute migraines. They help prevent attacks from worsening and manage painful symptoms when they do occur.

Other Treatment Options

While CGRP inhibitors have shown significant promise, they may not work for everyone. Other treatment options include:

• Antidepressants: Tricyclic antidepressants have been found to be effective in preventing migraines, possibly due to their ability to promote higher levels of serotonin.
• Beta-blockers: Medicines used to lower blood pressure and treat heart disease, beta-blockers can help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines by relaxing blood vessels and reducing stress on the heart.
• Anticonvulsants: Medicines used to treat epilepsy and other conditions, anticonvulsants can help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines by calming the nerves.
• Botox: Prescribed since 2010, Botox has been shown to reduce monthly migraine attacks by 50%.
• Triptans: Acute treatments that stimulate serotonin and stop pain, triptans are commonly used to dull migraine pain.

Lifestyle Changes and Alternative Therapies

In addition to medication, lifestyle changes and alternative therapies can help alleviate migraine pain. These include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and biofeedback: These therapies help individuals learn their stress triggers and how to control their response, reducing the likelihood of future migraine attacks.
• At-home remedies: Ibuprofen, cold compresses, and hot towels can help relieve pain and reduce symptoms.

Taking Control of Your Migraines

Migraines may be a chronic condition, but with the right treatment and lifestyle changes, it’s possible to manage pain and reduce the frequency of attacks. If you’re unhappy with your current medication or treatment plan, consult with your doctor or a migraine specialist to find a solution that works for you. Remember, you don’t have to live with debilitating migraine pain – there is hope for a better tomorrow.