Migraine with aura

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Brain

Migraine with aura

Alternative Names:

Migraine - classic; Headache - migraine with aura
Treatment:

To learn what may be triggering your migraine headaches, keep a headache diary. Write down:

When your headaches occurred
How severe they were
Additional symptoms
What you've eaten
Sleep patterns
Menstrual cycles
Any other possible factors

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For example, the diary may reveal that your headaches tend to occur more often on days when you awaken earlier than usual. Changing your sleep schedule may then result in fewer migraine attacks.

Some birth control pills and other medications may trigger headaches. Your health care provider should address questions regarding their use.

Even in the absence of a clear factor that triggers migraine attacks, try to keep a regular exercise and sleep schedule. Avoid smoking, caffeine, and alcohol. Some patients have found biofeedback and self-hypnosis to be effective at reducing the frequency of migraine attacks.

MEDICATION

Although there is no cure for migraine headaches, numerous medications are available. These medications are used to:

Prevent migraines from occurring
Stop the migraine once early symptoms develop
Treat the symptoms of migraine (e.g., pain, nausea)

All medications have potential side effects and may be incompatible with other medications you are taking. Also, many migraine medications are associated with birth defects and are therefore not safe to use during pregnancy.

Often, a physician will try several classes of medications before one (or a combination) is found to be effective.

PREVENTING MIGRAINES

Many medications can reduce the frequency of migraines. Generally, these need to be taken daily in order to be effective. These medications are less useful and tolerable to patients with infrequent headaches. Medications in this category include:

Beta-blockers (e.g., propanolol)
Anti-depressants (e.g., amitriptyline)
Anti-convulsants (e.g., valproic acid)
Calcium-channel blockers (e.g., verapamil)
Serotonin re-uptake inhibitors

STOPPING AN ATTACK

Other medications are taken when there is the first sign of an impending migraine attack. In the case of migraine with aura, this is typically when the visual disturbances are first noted. These medications can effectively stop the migraine in its tracks, preventing the progression to other migraine symptoms or reducing the severity of the attack.

Many of these medications cause constriction of blood vessels and cannot be given to patients at risk of heart attack or other conditions. These medications include: