How should migraines be treated?

Written by Liu Yan Hao
Neurology
Updated on March 24, 2025
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The treatment of migraines is actually quite simple. During an attack, oral pain relievers can be taken to temporarily relieve pain, but it is crucial to first confirm whether it is indeed a migraine attack. This is because some organic cerebrovascular diseases, such as cerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage, can also present symptoms of headache. Mistaking these for migraine and taking pain relievers could delay proper treatment. If it is confirmed to be a migraine, then pain relievers can be taken for treatment. Migraines often recur, typically causing unilateral headaches, and visual aura symptoms may appear before an attack. Even without treatment, symptoms usually subside completely within a few hours. It is best to investigate conditions mentioned like cerebral hemorrhage or subarachnoid hemorrhage, which are organic changes that can cause similar symptoms. Once diagnosed, the treatment becomes straightforward. Normally, it is important to be aware of and avoid triggers for migraines, such as staying up late, consuming salty pickled vegetables and other foods, red wine, and cheese, as these may trigger migraines. (Please use medications under the guidance of a professional physician and do not medicate blindly.)

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Written by Liu Yan Hao
Neurology
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How to relieve a migraine?

When a migraine occurs, one can temporarily take some painkillers for symptomatic treatment, which can quickly alleviate the pain. The prerequisite is to ensure that it is indeed a migraine. Typically, before a migraine starts, there are some precursor symptoms related to vision where one might experience blurred vision, distorted vision, or see wave-like patterns in front of their eyes. The headache symptoms often follow these visual symptoms after a short duration. Migraines can recur, and even without treatment, some may completely resolve within a few hours, which is typical of migraines. The occurrence of a migraine generally does not have a major impact on one's health, so one can take painkillers for symptomatic treatment. Additionally, it is advisable to avoid staying up late and overworking. Foods such as pickled products, cheese, and red wine should also be avoided as much as possible, as they can trigger migraine attacks.

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Written by Liu Yan Hao
Neurology
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Can I wash my hair if I have a migraine?

Patients with migraines should avoid washing their hair during an attack. Water that is too hot or too cold can stimulate the dilation or spasm of cerebral blood vessels, potentially worsening migraine symptoms. Therefore, it is advised not to wash hair during a migraine attack, though it is fine during remission periods. During a migraine attack, symptomatic oral pain relievers and medications to alleviate vascular spasms can be used for treatment. It is important to prevent migraines by avoiding staying up late and overexertion. Additionally, certain foods known to trigger migraines should be avoided, including foods containing nitrites such as leftovers, pickled vegetables, and other preserved foods which may contain nitrites. Foods like red wine and cheese can also trigger migraines and should be consumed with caution. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Feng Ying Shuai
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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Which part to massage for migraine?

Migraine is a clinical symptom where the patient perceives pain. Which areas should we massage? This depends on specific clinical symptoms of the patient. For example, if the pain occurs in the forehead, we would select acupuncture points on the forehead such as Yangbai and Zanzhu, including Sizhukong and Jingming. For distal points, we can choose Neiting to massage. Of course, if the pain is at the top of the head, we can select local points like Baihui and Tongtian, and choose Xingjian for distal points for massage. If the pain is on the sides of the head, we would select the wrist bone and Sizhukong, and then choose Waiguan for distal massage.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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How to treat migraines

The incidence of migraines is still very high, and the pain can be quite severe, affecting patients' work and daily life, preventing them from resting well. The main treatments include the following: First, maintain the patient's emotional stability and keep the patient calm, avoiding strong lights and loud noises as much as possible to create a quiet environment. Second, administer oral non-steroidal analgesics for pain relief, or take ergot preparations for pain relief. Third, patients sometimes exhibit obvious anxiety and can take benzodiazepines for related treatment, as well as certain anti-anxiety medications. Fourth, if the patient experiences nausea and vomiting, symptomatic treatment should be given, including antiemetic medications. If the patient has frequent episodes, prophylactic treatment with receptor blockers can be used.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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What causes migraines with nausea?

Patients with migraines often experience significant nausea and vomiting, which is also an important diagnostic criterion in the diagnosis of migraines. The reason migraines cause nausea is primarily due to abnormalities in the trigeminal ganglion of migraine sufferers. These impulses may be transmitted to the solitary nucleus in the brainstem, which is mainly responsible for some autonomic nerves and closely related to vomiting. When the solitary nucleus is affected, obvious vomiting naturally occurs. Many migraine patients find that their symptoms are somewhat relieved after vomiting. The main treatment for migraine-induced vomiting is to have the patient rest quietly and take appropriate pain relief medication. If vomiting is pronounced, it is recommended that the patient take antiemetic drugs orally, preferably by muscle injection, which generally provides quick symptom relief.