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Pharmacy Links

MIGRAINE – MIGRAINE HEADACHES

May 15, 2009

Migraine headaches rarely last beyond one day and, if not relieved with drugs, may go once the person goes to sleep. Where the headache persists for days, it is usually initially a migraine which develops into a tension headache and the sufferer has difficulty separating them.

Ergotamine is a drug which constricts the arteries and is the treatment of choice for most vascular headaches. These drugs are often combined with an antihistamine to stop nausea and vomiting.

They must be taken at the onset of the migraine so as to abort an attack.

Ordinary analgesics, even strong ones, are of little use in relieving migraine. The stronger narcotic drugs like morphine and pethidine should be used with extreme caution.

If the attacks are infrequent, taking an ergota-mine preparation to relieve the attack is all that is necessary. More severe or frequent attacks usually require the use of one of the preventive drugs taken on a regular basis, usually for many months.

Some cases resistant to other measures do well with manipulation of the neck, hypnosis or acupuncture.

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