Migraine, causes & Treatments: medication & Acupuncture

Migraine is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide and a major reason people need time off work. The causes can be multi-factorial, but it’s widely believed that dilation of blood vessels around the trigeminal nerve plays a key role.

Migraines are most commonly characterised by a pulsating or throbbing pain, often affecting one side of the forehead or head. These attacks can last for hours or even days.Some people also experience something known as aura, which can include symptoms such as visual disturbances, slurred speech, or even temporary weakness in the arms or legs.

Treatment options vary depending on the severity and frequency of symptoms.In more severe cases, we offer first-line medications. During an acute migraine attack, triptans are commonly prescribed to help shorten the duration of symptoms. A newer medication, Rimegepant, may also be effective in treating migraine attacks.

For those who experience frequent or persistent migraines, we also offer preventative treatment options. While preventative medications don’t eliminate migraines entirely, strong evidence shows they can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of attacks over time.At Elite Joint Solutions, we commonly consider medications such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline, propranolol, topiramate, and candesartan as part of a tailored prevention plan.

If you’re looking for a more holistic approach, we also offer acupuncture for migraine management. Acupuncture can be used both as a preventative treatment and to help reduce the severity and duration of migraine attacks. Needles are commonly placed around the hairline, neck, ears, and face to help calm the nervous system and reduce migraine activity.

If you’d like more information or support with migraine management, please don’t hesitate to contact us at www.elitejointsolutions.com.