How to Treat Migraines when You Can’t Take OTC Treatments

Migraines are extremely painful and debilitating headaches that can interfere with your daily life and activities to a great degree. For most people, some form of over-the-counter medication tends to work to relieve the symptoms, whether it’s a specifically formulated migraine medication or just Tylenol or Advil. But what happens to those people who either cannot take those medications, or the medication has little to no effect on the migraine? Are there other alternatives?

What Is a Migraine?

A migraine is a headache that can be intensely painful, is often accompanied by a preceding aura, and can also make you extremely nauseous. Typically, a migraine is intensely painful and throbbing; it is localized to one area of the head. People who are suffering from a migraine can be very sensitive to light and sound.

What Causes Migraines?

There are no clearly defined causes of migraines, though they can be genetic. There is some research being done into the role of serotonin levels. Migraines can be triggered by certain things, too. Common triggers include:

Hormone changes
Alcohol
Stress
Lack of sleep or changes in sleep patterns
Changes in weather
Certain foods and additives

Innovative Treatments for Migraines

For some people, migraines are debilitating. They can last up to 72 hours with an additional 24 hours of recovery time needed. Over-the-counter medications often do not work. Complete Neurological Care offers a variety of innovative treatments for migraines, such as:

BOTOX® for Migraines

One effective method for treating migraines is with Botox injections. Botox is injected strategically to relax muscles and effectively reduce or eliminate migraine pain.

IV Cocktail

Using an IV consisting of magnesium, steroids, Keppra, Depakote, or Toradol, we eliminate refractory headaches or migraines.

Steroid Injection

Using steroid injections and following strict US guidelines, we can provide steroid injections that act as an occipital nerve block, treating both occipital headaches and refractory headaches.

For solutions to your migraines, schedule an appointment today with Complete Neurological Care. We have 7 convenient locations in Queens, Downtown Manhattan, Midtown Manhattan, Long Island, Upper West Side, the Bronx, and New Jersey. Our expert neurology doctors are equipped with the skills and technology necessary to diagnose and treat your neurological concerns.