Headache

1. Over-the-Counter Medications

• Pain relievers: Medications like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), acetaminophen (Tylenol), or aspirin can help relieve mild to moderate headaches.
• Combination drugs: Some over-the-counter treatments combine pain relievers with caffeine or other substances to enhance their effect (e.g., Excedrin for migraines).

2. Prescription Medications

• For migraines: Prescription medications, such as triptans (e.g., sumatriptan, rizatriptan), can help relieve migraines by targeting serotonin receptors in the brain.
• Preventive medications: For frequent or severe headaches, doctors may prescribe medications to prevent headaches from occurring. These may include beta-blockers, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, or even Botox injections for chronic migraines.
• For tension headaches: Doctors may recommend muscle relaxants or antidepressants for people with frequent tension headaches.
• Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) inhibitors are a class of drugs that can prevent or treat migraines by blocking the action of CGRP, a protein that contributes to pain transmission: 

   
  • • CGRP monoclonal antibodies (MABs)

      These large molecule drugs are injected monthly or quarterly with an automatic pen. Examples include:

      • Erenumab (Aimovig)
      • Fremanezumab (Ajovy)
      • Galcanezumab (Emgality)
      • Eptinezumab (Vyepti)

  • CGRP receptor antagonists (gepants)

    These small molecule drugs are taken orally in pill form. Examples include:

     
  • Rimegepant (Nurtec)
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  • Ubrogepant (Ubrelvy)
  •  

     
  • Atogepant (Qulipta)
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  • Zavegepant (Zavzpret)
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  CGRP inhibitors are considered a first-line treatment for migraines. They can help limit how often migraines occur, and how severe and long the symptoms last. 

   
  Some potential side effects of CGRP inhibitors include: 

   
  • Sleepiness

  • Nausea

  • Dry mouth

  • Abdominal pain

  • Upset stomach

  • Blood pressure and heart-related issues

3. Lifestyle and Home Remedies

• Hydration: Dehydration can cause headaches, so drinking plenty of water can help prevent or treat mild headaches.
• Cold or warm compress: Applying a cold pack to the forehead or neck may reduce inflammation and numb pain, while a warm compress can relax tense muscles, especially in cases of tension headaches.
• Rest and sleep: Adequate rest and sleep can be crucial in relieving and preventing headaches.
• Caffeine: In small amounts, caffeine can sometimes help relieve headaches, particularly for tension-type headaches or migraines. However, too much caffeine or withdrawal from caffeine can also trigger headaches.

4. Dietary Adjustments

• Avoid trigger foods: For some people, certain foods like chocolate, cheese, or processed meats can trigger headaches, especially migraines. Keeping a food diary can help identify triggers.
• Eat regular, balanced meals to prevent headaches related to low blood sugar.

5. Stress Management

• Relaxation techniques: Practice relaxation exercises like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to reduce stress and prevent tension headaches.
• Massage therapy: Massaging the neck, shoulders, and temples can alleviate tension and reduce headache pain.

6. Physical Therapy

• If headaches are due to posture or muscle strain, physical therapy or gentle stretching exercises may help relieve muscle tension and improve posture, reducing the frequency of headaches.

7. Acupuncture

• Some people find relief from chronic headaches through acupuncture, a practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body.

8. Biofeedback and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Biofeedback: This technique helps individuals learn to control physical responses to stress (such as muscle tension and heart rate) to prevent headaches.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a form of talk therapy that helps individuals manage stress and the psychological triggers of chronic headaches.

9. Prevention for Chronic Headaches

• Consistent sleep schedule: Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day can help prevent headaches, particularly migraines.
• Exercise: Regular physical activity can help reduce the frequency and severity of headaches by improving circulation and reducing stress.

10. When to Seek Medical Help

• If headaches are severe, frequent, or persistent, it’s important to see a doctor, especially if there are new symptoms such as:
  • Sudden and severe headache (often described as “the worst headache ever”)
  • Headaches associated with vision changes, weakness, numbness, or speech difficulties
  • Headaches after a head injury
  • Nausea and vomiting unrelated to other causes
  • New headaches after the age of 40

Treatment should be tailored to the specific type and cause of the headache, and a healthcare professional can provide guidance on the best approach.