migraine aura treatment without headache

Preventative therapy may be considered in patients who experience frequent migraines and are using abortive treatment 2 or more days a week or 3 or more times per month, have an overall decreased quality of life, or if abortive therapy is ineffective or contraindicated.

3 While antiemetics don’t treat pain, they can be useful in patients with nausea and vomiting associated with migraines. Opioids, butalbital-containing products, and tramadol are typically not recommended due to the risk for abuse, dependence, as well as limited efficacy in migraine relief. 3 Prescription therapies include serotonin receptor agonists-commonly referred to as triptans. These options may be effective for some patients whose migraines are mild to moderate.Ĭaffeine in combination with acetaminophen or aspirin may also be effective to treat some migraine headaches. 2 OTC options for abortive therapy includes acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, for many patients, nonpharmacological therapy is not sufficient.Ībortive therapy is a mainstay of pharmacological migraine treatment. In addition to this, stress management, massage therapy, or applying cold compresses with or without ice to the head may also be helpful. There have also been several agents that have been FDA-approved in recent years that may be more favorable for many patients and providers.įor patients with migraines, non-drug treatment options can include keeping a headache diary to assist with identifying triggers, such as stress, foods, and sleep environment. Several of these medications have been used for migraines for several years and are effective, however come with some patient-specific limitations. There are several medications available for both abortive and preventative therapy. However, migraines that occur without aura do not show signs of insufficient blood supply. The pathophysiology of migraines remains largely unknown however, it may be theorized that intracranial vasoconstriction and rebound vasodilation may contribute to migraines with aura. Abortive therapy is taken at the first sign of a migraine and preventative therapy may be beneficial to those who experience frequent migraines to help reduce migraine occurrence. There are pharmacological options for those who experience migraines in the form of abortive or preventative therapy. Walking the dog or simply getting out of bed in the morning may be strenuous for those experiencing a migraine. The pain from a migraine can be debilitating and limit otherwise normal daily activities. Those that present without aura experience pain as the primary indication of a migraine. An aura may serve as a precursor to a migraine or may present simultaneously. Migraines may also present with or without aura. 1 The development of migraines may be secondary to factors that include, but are not limited to, disease states such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, coronary artery disease, stroke, and diabetes mellitus. 1 According to the International Headache Society, a migraine is a specific type of headache characterized by having at least 2 of the following symptoms: moderate to severe pain intensity, unilateral pain, throbbing or pulsating sensation, and/or increased symptoms with routine physical activity.Īdditionally, the headache must also be accompanied by nausea and/or vomiting or photophobia/phonophobia. Migraines occur in more than 30 million people in the United States alone.

Migraine aura treatment without headache