What Can You Do To Get Relief From Migraine Headaches?

Migraine headaches can cause symptoms that leave you unable to perform daily living tasks. The headache can last for several minutes or even extend to an hour. Seeking relief is not only important in helping you get on with your day, but in easing the pain. If you suffer from migraines, here is what you need to know about handling them.

What Can You Try at Home?

There are several home remedies that could potentially help alleviate the symptoms that you experience during a migraine headache. You might have to try several remedies before finding one that works for you. Before trying a home remedy, talk to your doctor to determine if there are any interactions with current medications or therapy you are taking.

One possible remedy is using lavender oil. The oil can be applied directly to your skin and massaged in or you can use it in aromatherapy. The oil has a soothing effect that could ease your headache and help your body to relax.

Another possible remedy is to try modifying your diet. Certain foods and beverages, such as chocolate and caffeine, are often linked with the onset of migraine headaches. Removing these items from your diet can help to stop the headaches. You can likely determine if a certain food is contributing to your headaches by keeping a diet of the foods you have eaten on the day you experience a headache.

Are There Surgical Options?

If home remedies and prescription medications are unsuccessful in treating your migraine headaches, your doctor might recommend a surgical option. There are several surgeries that are available, including the minimally invasive greater occipital nerve entrapment procedure. The surgery focuses on alleviating pressure that occurs at the back of the head.

Arterial ligation is also an option. The procedure involves tying off blood vessels. Certain migraines are caused by the pressure from those vessels and tying them off helps to alleviate pressure. It is more likely to be effective if your migraine symptoms include a pounding feeling in certain spots, such as over your eyes and the back of your neck. The procedure is a minimally invasive surgical option.

There are other surgical options for alleviating the symptoms of migraines. Your doctor can evaluate your condition and decide whether surgery is right for you. If so, he or she can recommend a procedure based on your health and the symptoms that you are experiencing. Contact a medical center, like Northeastern Migraine Surgery Center, for more help.