Treatment of Headache - No Absolute Cure
While there is still no absolute cure for headache, there are a number of treatment options, both medications and other forms including complementary therapies. ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR MEDICAL PRACTITIONER before taking any form of treatment. (Please note-advances in medical science occur rapidly and some of this information about medications and treatment may soon be out of date).
To get more research, headache sufferers will have to unite with Headache Australia to lift the funding.
HEADACHE MANAGEMENT IS A GREAT CHALLENGE. A NUMBER OF TREATMENT OPTIONS, PREPARATIONS AND METHODS OF ADMINISTRATION MAY HAVE TO BE TRIED BEFORE YOU DISCOVER WHAT WORKS BEST FOR YOU.
Medications
Some medications are given once the headache has begun (acute treatment) and others are taken daily to reduce the frequency of attacks (prophylactic treatment).
Click on the link below to find which treatment is appropriate for you.
www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=876181344517
Acute Treatment
Over-the-counter medications taken to treat headache include
- pain killers or analgesics such as aspirin and paracetamol (eg Panadol)
- pain killers or analgesics combined with codeine (eg Panadeine)
- pain killers or analgesics combined with a sedative (eg Mersyndol, Fiorinal)
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (eg Nurofen).
These products are effective and safe when taken according to the directions. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist, as some products are not recommended with certain health conditions or for children. Mild tension-type headaches usually respond readily. For severe headaches that do not respond, if medication is required several times a week, or for problems in taking medication, a doctor should be consulted.
Prescription medications taken to treat more severe headaches include
- Stronger NSAIDs
- Analgesics containing stronger narcotic-type analgesics
- Ergots such as ergotamine (eg Cafergot) that have a specific action against migraine
- Triptans such as sumatriptan (eg Imigran), naratriptan (eg Naramig), zolmitriptan (eg Zomig) that have a specific action against migraine
- Anti-nausea drugs such as metoclopramide (Maxolon), prochlorperazine (Stemetil) and domperidone (Motilium).
Prophylactic ( Preventative ) Treatment
Prophylactic/preventative medication is taken daily, regardless or whether a headache is present, to reduce the incidence of severe or frequent headaches. These include:
- Pizotifen (Sandomigran), probably the most commonly prescribed
- Beta Blockers (Betaloc, Lopresor, Inderal, Deralin) block the beta-receptors on which adrenaline works in the nervous system as well as on blood vessels
- If the above are not working for you, or as a first option, topiramate (Topamax) and valproate (Epilim) are neuro-modulators that have been shown to act against most forms of headache.
- Amitriptyline and similar tricyclic antidepressants (Tryptanol and other brands) have an action on headache that is independent of their antidepressant action.
- Methysergide (Deseril)
- Feverfew, an herbal extract, shown to be effective in migraine prevention.
All are effective. All have side effects and, except feverfew, are prescription drugs. Many were initially introduced for some other problem and were also observed to reduce headache.
Medication Overuse
Overusing medication can actually lead to chronic daily headache. Medications containing ergotamine, codeine and caffeine have been specifically implicated but frequent use of any of the medications used to treat an attack can lead to daily headache. Your doctor will be able to help you find out what type of medication is best suited and safest for your needs. It is important that your doctor is consulted should you wish to reduce or discontinue any medications.
Complementary Therapies
Complementary therapies offer a natural solution to pain relief and headache management. There are a number of options available. Most are concentrated on releasing tension in the body, thus easing pressure in the head. Not all these options will work or be available to everyone. This is just a brief run-down - a qualified practitioner should be consulted before trying any of these therapies:
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