Migraine Headache Treatment   Conventional drug treatment for Migraine Headaches is focused on three primary goals: Prophylaxis: Prophylaxis treatment is used for individuals who experience more than one Migraine Headache a week and comorbid illness. Drugs used for prophylactic treatment include beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and anti-depressants.   Abortive treatments: Abortive drugs are used for acute treatments of Migraine Headache. Standard medicinals used in this form of treatments include, triptan drugs (Sumatriptan or Rizatriptan) or ergot alkaloids (ergotamine or dihydroergotamine).   Analgesic treatment: Drugs focused on analgesic treatments, analgesics, should be used sparingly. NSAIDs are used first for mild to moderate pain, with treatment of opioids being reserved for those experiencing severe pain. [8] Alternative treatment has been equally successful in the treatment of Migraine Headaches, both for its prevention and subsequent treatments of acute attack. Most of the treatment recommendations are based on hypothesis concerning the mechanism of Migraine Headache, and are focused on impacting biochemical pathways in the brain.     Supplements helpful for Migraine Headaches Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) Vitamin B2 has shown the greatest efficacy in the prevention of Migraine Headaches. The proposed mechanism is the defect in mitochondrial energy metabolism in the cerebral vessels of migraine sufferers. This deficient energy state causes vasodilation. B2 increases energy efficiency in the mitochondria.   One study found that Vitamin B2 supplementation for 6 months decreased the frequency of Migraine Headaches by nearly 50%. There was no change in the duration or intensity of headache, but patients did report a decreased use of analgesic medications. [9] Another study found that supplementation for 3 months caused a decrease in the frequency and reduction of total headache days. 59% of the participants responded to the B2 versus only 15% in the placebo group, which is statistically significant.   Vitamin B12 Vitamin B12 is a nitric oxide scavenger. Vitamin B12 is thought to block the nitric oxide pathway. Nitric oxide causes vasodilation, a proposed mechanisms for Migraine Headaches.   In a study using intranasal B12 for 3 months, 53% of participants saw a reduction in frequency, duration, number of headache days, and number of medications used. [10] Intranasal B12 is administered because of poor the vitamin's poor absorption in the GI tract. B12 is also considered more efficient if taken sublingually or intramuscularly.   5-htp 5-HTP is a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain. One of the hypothesized causes of Migraine Headaches is abnormal serotonin metabolism. Supplementation with 5-HTP can increase the serotonin levels in the brain.   In one study, supplementation of 5-HTP reduced the occurrences of Migraine Headaches, a result comparative to the drug methysergide. However, unlike methysergide, it also reduced intensity and duration of the Migraine Headaches without any harmful side effects. [11]   Magnesium Low magnesium is found in the brain tissue of individuals who suffer from Migraine Headaches. Magnesium helps to maintain tone in the blood vessels. Magnesium is a natural relaxant to both muscle and nerve cells. It is also believed that magnesium affects serotonin receptors in the brain, and decreases nitric oxide synthesis. In one particular study, 50% of participants with an acute Migraine Headache attack had low magnesium levels in plasma. [12] Another comparative study concerning women who suffered from menstrual Migraine Headache attacks, used magnesium supplementation to provide an effective reduction in pain from caused migraine attacks. [13] Intravenous magnesium is of great benefit for treating acute Migraine Headache attacks, and in some cases will cause instant relief from symptoms.   Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFA's) It is understood that certain prostaglandins are increased in individuals who suffer from Migraine Headaches. Prostaglandins are thought to increase platelet aggregation in vessels, thereby leading to a pro-inflammatory state. The harmful prostaglandins are producst of arachadonic acid metabolism. By taking polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), like omega 3 and omega 6 oils, the arachadonic acid pathway can be bypassed. NSAIDs are prescription drugs which provide similar mechanisms of action.   The prostaglandins that are produced by the omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acid pathways are anti-inflammatory and prevent anti-platelet aggregation. One study in adolescents with Migraine Headaches given omega 3 fish oils found a 87% decrease in frequency, a 74% decrease in duration, and a 83% decrease in severity of pain associated with attacks. [14] After PUFA supplementation for six months, 87% of individuals in another study reported a decrease in the severity, frequency, and duration of migraine headaches. 22% of these patients also became Migraine Headache free, and also indicated a 90% decrease in symptoms associated with the Migraine Headache, including nausea and vomiting. [15]   Coenzyme Q10 In an preliminary study, supplementation with CoQ10 for 3 months resulted in 61% of individuals having 1/2 the number of headache days, and 53% of these individuals experienced1/2 the frequency of Migraine Headaches. [16] The exact mechanism is not known, and further double blind studies are being conducted.   Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) Feverfew is an effective prophylactic treatment for Migraine Headache. It has been shown to inhibit the release of specific chemical agents that cause vasodilation. Feverfew also inhibits inflammatory pathways and helps to maintain blood vessel tone. In one study, feverfew was taken for 4 months. This supplementation resulted in a decrease in the number and severity of attacks, as well as a decrease in vomiting. Although the duration of the attacks was not altered, feverfew was also effective at decreasing the occurrence of visual disturbances, like aura and double vision. [17] In another study, 70% of participants reported a decrease in the severity and frequency of Migraine Headache attacks after taking feverfew every day for prolonged periods. [18]     Learn More About Migraine Headaches Introduction to Migraine Headaches Migraine Headache Headache Treatment Products helpful for Migraine Headaches Go Back Learn More

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