You are here: PharmacyArticlesMental HealthHow to Take Care of Someone With Migraine Symptoms? Read more articles on: Mental Health Published on: April 14, 2021 Last Updated On: April 14, 2021 Free Delivery: Your medication is delivered directly to you at no added cost. We even offer same-day delivery in selected locations. Discreet Packaging: Your privacy is important. That's why we send your medication inside a plain delivery box so no one will know what's inside. How to Take Care of Someone With Migraine Symptoms? Migraines affect about one in ten Canadians. So, it is likely that you may have a family member, friend, relative, or coworker who has a migraine.Here is more about migraine and how you may help someone with migraine symptoms.Table of Contents What Is A MigraineWhat Does It Look Like?Treatment and Medication for ReliefMedicines for Acute TreatmentMedicines for Preventive TreatmentFrequency and Dosage of MedicationOther Precautions and CareAsk How You Can HelpAdjust Lightning of the RoomPlan Things That May Divert Their MindIt’s Okay If the Plans Get CanceledKeep Pungent Foods and Strong Smell AwayPrepare A Migraine First AidWork Instead of Them If You CanOther Things That You Can DoWhen To Consult A Doctor?Final ThoughtsWhat Is A MigraineMigraine is a nerve-related disorder that may cause various symptoms, including an intense headache. Other symptoms are vomiting, nausea, sensitivity to sound and light, and difficulty speaking.Your doctor will diagnose migraine based on symptoms, history and ruling out other causes.You can read more about migraines and their types in our previous blog here.What Does It Look Like?A migraine may look different for everyone, and its symptoms depend on the type of migraine one may be suffering from.In most cases, the symptoms appear in the following stages:Before a headache: During this stage, a person may experience sensory and physical symptoms.During a headache: One may have mild to severe pulsing or throbbing headaches. Some common symptoms include vomiting, nausea, and nasal congestion.Resolution: It involves irritability and tiredness for the next two days, and this stage is also known as a migraine hangover.Other common symptoms include:Inability to carry out daily activitiesHead pain that is more during straining or physical activityIncreased sensitivity to sound and light and is better by lying in a dark and silent roomExcess sweatingAbdominal painDiarrheaTemperature changesTreatment and Medication for ReliefIn most cases, migraines are commonly managed with medicines.Here the two major groups of drugs:Preventive treatment: To reduce the severity and frequency of migraines.Acute treatment: To manage pain and other symptoms of migraine.Medicines for Acute TreatmentThese drugs are used when migraine symptoms or auras occur to reduce the severity of the headache or relieve it.However, taking these medicines too often may result in a rebound headache, a type of headache that occurs due to overuse of medicine, requiring additional medication.If you need these medicines more than nine times a month, it is best to consult your doctor about the need for preventive drugs.ALSO READ Migraine Causes and Treatment with Amitriptyline MedicationHere are some common types of medicines:PainkillersSome over-the-counter painkillers are significantly effective for migraine pain. Apart from acetaminophen, these drugs belong to the group of medications known as anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which manage inflammation and pain.Some common medicines are:AspirinIbuprofenNaproxenAcetaminophenDiclofenacKetorolacMany OTC medicines effective for migraines have some amount of caffeine, allowing them to work quickly, especially for mild migraine headaches.Some side effects associated with the use of these medicines include:StrokeStomach ulcersHeart attackKidney damageErgotaminesThey were the first class of drugs used to manage migraines. They contract the blood vessels around your brain, relieving migraine within a few minutes.You can get these medicines as tablets that dissolve under your tongue, pills, nasal sprays, injections, and suppositories.They need to be taken at the appearance of symptoms and repeated every 30 minutes if the headache continues.Common Ergotamines are:ErgotamineDihydroergotamineMethysergideErgotamine and caffeineMethylergonovineErgotamines can have severe side effects such as heart problems and birth defects. So, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should not take these medicines.TriptansThis newer class of medicines increases serotonin levels, a chemical that reduces inflammation and constricts your blood vessels. All this helps in relieving migraines.You can get triptans as nasal sprays, tablets that dissolve under your tongue, pills, and injections.Some common medicines include:EletriptanNaratriptanSumatriptanZolmitriptanAlmotriptanFrovatriptan Rizatriptan Sumatriptan and NaproxenCommon side effects of triptans include:DrowsinessNauseaNumbness or tingling in your toesDizzinessDiscomfort or tightness in your chestThey can also cause serotonin syndrome if taken with other medicines that increase serotonin levels.If you are at risk for stroke or have heart diseases, you should avoid taking triptans.Antinausea drugsThey help in managing nausea and vomiting that can accompany severe migraine headaches. They should be taken with pain killers as they cannot relieve pain.Some common drugs are:MetoclopramidePromethazineDimenhydrinateProchlorperazineTrimethobenzamide Common side effects include:DrowsinessDecreased alertnessDizzinessOpioidsThey are used when you do not respond to pain killers and cannot take triptans or ergotamines.Some common opioids are:CodeineMorphineMeperidineOxycodoneThey are highly addictive and thus be used only if needed.Medicines for Preventive TreatmentIf you often get migraines frequently, your doctor may prescribe a preventive medication to reduce the intensity and frequency of migraines.Unlike medicines for acute headaches, they should be taken daily. These medicines can be advised alone or in combination with other drugs.It may take several weeks or months for these medications to be effective.ALSO READ Antidepressants: Cipralex Vs Citalopram, Side EffectsSome common medicines are:CGRP antagonistsThey are the newest class of medicines used to prevent migraines. They act by working on the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a protein present in the brain associated with migraines.Common examples include:FremanezumabErenumabBeta-blockersThese medicines are mainly used to manage high blood pressure. They reduce the effect of stress hormones on your blood vessels and heart, reducing the intensity and frequency of migraine headaches.Common examples include:MetoprololPropranololAtenolol Nadolol Timolol Side effects may include:NauseaDepressionFatigueDizzinessSleep problemsCalcium channel blockersThey are used for hypertension and are responsible for relaxing and constricting your blood vessels, relieving migraine pain.Examples include:NimodipineDiltiazemVerapamilSide effects may include:Weight gainConstipationLow blood pressureDizzinessAntidepressantsThey alter levels of certain brain chemicals, including serotonin. Improved serotonin levels constrict blood vessels and lower inflammation, reducing migraines.Common examples include:FluoxetineNortriptylineSertralineAmitriptylineImipramineParoxetineVenlafaxineAnticonvulsantsMainly used to prevent seizures caused by epilepsy, they also help relieve migraines and reduce their frequency.Some anticonvulsants include:Divalproex-sodiumLevetiracetamTiagabineValproateGabapentinPregabalinTopiramateZonisamideSide effects of anticonvulsants may include:VomitingWeight gainDizzinessBlurred visionNauseaSleepinessDiarrheaThey can be repeated every three months but can be costly.Frequency and Dosage of MedicationDifferent medicines have different doses and frequencies at which they can be repeated. It also differs for everyone.So, it is best to consult a doctor and follow their advice regarding dosage and frequency.Other Precautions and CareWhile there is no permanent cure for migraines, there are many things you can do for a person suffering from migraines to help them suffer less, get better control of the condition, and live a better life.When your loved ones know that you are there to care, it will empower them.If you want to help someone with migraine symptoms, here are a few tips that will help you get started:Ask How You Can HelpYou may not know what is going in their mind unless you ask them. If you can help them with what’s troubling them or something important, you can make them happy. For instance, you can help with groceries, pick up kids, or drop off a delivery.Just being there for your loved ones when they have a migraine can mean a lot to them. And if you don’t know how to help, the best thing to do is ASK.Adjust Lightning of the RoomBright light can aggravate or trigger a migraine attack.ALSO READ How Does Cipralex Help Treat Major Depressive Disorder and Anxiety?So, add a dimmer switch, replace fluorescent bulbs, and close the drapes.Plan Things That May Divert Their MindYou can ask them what they prefer and wouldn’t trigger a migraine. For instance, you can plan a drama instead of a 3D adventure and yoga instead of hiking.Come up with a list that you both could enjoy. This will not make your loved ones feel bad that they cannot do things you love and vice versa.It’s Okay If the Plans Get CanceledMany people with migraines feel bad when plans are canceled because of them. They think they let you down. Saying “okay” will take the guilt away. Try to do this even if you are frustrated.Keep Pungent Foods and Strong Smell AwayKeep away all the food items that may trigger nausea. It is also best to avoid strong-smelling perfumes.Prepare A Migraine First AidThis could include eyeshades, ice packs, earplugs, lavender or menthol, and many such things to prevent a migraine attack.Work Instead of Them If You CanIf you can help them with their work, it would give them rest. If you cannot, you can inform their bosses or colleagues that they are severely disabled and won’t be able to work.Other Things That You Can DoTurn the volume downDrive for themGive them gifts they would loveDraw up a bathMake a meal for themAccompany them for their doctor’s appointmentSupport their dietTreat them with a massageSend them a loved noteClean their roomYou can also prepare a migraine diary for themKnow their treatment planMake sure that they treat a migraine immediatelyOffer cold masks or packsHelp them improve their diet and lifestyleBe their gym or workout buddyWhen To Consult A Doctor?Here are some indications that your loved ones need a doctor consultation:Worsening of migraine symptomsSevere symptomsVisual disturbancesAn unusually severe headacheDifficulty speakingA loss of sensationFinal ThoughtsMigraine is much more severe than a typical headache. It may cause extreme pain, sensitivity to sound and light, and nausea and vomiting. Throbbing pain can interfere with the quality of your life and ruin your day.You may never be able to imagine how a migraine may feel. But knowing common symptoms, your loved ones often get, can help you understand how you can make them comfortable.Know their treatment plan and common side effects of the medicines. There are also small gestures that you can do to help someone with migraine symptoms. Note them down and use them the next time a loved one needs your help. We're Here for You: Our pharmacists are happy to answer your questions. Get in touch by text, live chat, phone or email. We're standing by 7 days a week. Automatic Refills: We manage your refills and get in touch with your doctors for prescription renewals so that you always have the medication you need. Read More... 2533 Views Share