Migraine Treatment

How is Migraine Diagnosed?

Migraines are usually diagnosed by a neurologist based on the symptoms experienced by the patient. For complex cases, doctors may recommend a CT scan or an MRI to make sure that no other neurological conditions are causing the headaches. These scans can help detect problems such as brain tumours, infections, brain damage, or bleeding in the brain.

How is Migraine Treated Based on Severity?

Here are some possible treatment methods for migraine, as per the severity of its symptoms:

Types of Migraine and Their Treatment

Below are the treatment options for two of the most common types of migraine:

Migraine Treatment for Different Stages

Here is an overview of treatment recommended for four stages of a migraine attack:

Preventive Treatments for Migraine

The following treatments are usually used to reduce the frequency, severity, and duration of future migraine attacks:

Oral Medications for Migraine Treatment

The following medicines are often prescribed for migraine patients:

• Painkillers: Over-the-counter medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen can help relieve migraine pain.

• Triptans: Medicines such as sumatriptan and rizatriptan can relieve migraine attacks by acting on blood vessels and reducing inflammation.

• Ergots: Dihydroergotamine (DHE-45) may be used for severe migraine attacks when other treatments are not effective.

• Anti-nausea Medicines: These can help control nausea and vomiting that may occur during a migraine attack.

• CGRP Medicines: Medicines such as erenumab (Aimovig), galcanezumab (Emgality), and fremanezumab (Ajovy) target the CGRP pathway involved in migraine and may be used to prevent attacks.

Note: You must followyour physician's advice when undergoingsystemic treatment for migraine. Blood tests or other methods may be required to verify your response.

Ayurvedic and Alternative Treatments for Migraine

Some alternative approaches that may help manage migraine symptoms, promote relaxation, and support overall well-being are as follows:

• Ayurvedic Treatments:Panchakarma therapies and herbal preparations, such as the Pathyadi decoction, may help manage headaches and support overall health.

• Acupressure and Acupuncture: These techniques may help relieve stress, headache, and muscle tension while stimulating blood flow and influencing the body's natural endorphin levels.

• Yoga: Yoga poses and breathing techniques can promote relaxation, ease stress and anxiety, and may help reduce sensitivity to migraine pain.

Note: It is advised to consult a qualified medical practitioner before taking alternative medical treatments for migraine.

Home Care for Managing Migraine

Here are some simple home care measures to ease migraine pain:

• Rest in a dark, quiet room to ease the headaches whenever possible.

• Apply hot or cold packs to your head or neck for temporary relief.

• Take a warm bath or shower to relax any tense muscles.

• Have small amounts of caffeine when a migraine begins, but avoid excessive intake.

• Try gentle physical activity if it does not worsen your symptoms.

• Gently massage your scalp to help relieve tension and discomfort.

Latest Treatment for Migraine in India

Rimegepant ODT is a newer migraine medicine that may be prescribed for adults who have not responded adequately to triptan treatment. It can provide rapid and sustained pain relief, with effects reported to last up to 48 hours, and may be used either to treat an ongoing migraine or prevent future attacks, depending on the prescribed regimen. Unlike triptans, rimegepant does not work by constricting blood vessels, making it a good potential option for patients for whom this is a concern.

How Long Does Migraine Treatment Take?

Migraines require ongoing treatment. The time required for various treatments to show improvement is as follows:

Migraine Treatment Side Effects

Medicines such as triptans, which are used to treat migraine attacks, may cause the following side effects:

• Fatigue

• Drowsiness

• Sweating

• Neck pain

• Tingling, numb feeling, or a pins-and-needles sensation in the hands or feet

• Weakness

• Flushing

• Nausea

• Chest pain, which is rare.

Lifestyle Changes for Managing Migraine

The following healthy daily habits can help manage migraine:

• Sleep and wake up at around the same time every day.

• Eat meals at the same times each day and avoid skipping them.

• Limit caffeine, alcohol, processed meats, and chocolate, based on your personal triggers.

• Eat a nutritious diet with fruits, vegetables, and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

• Drink enough water and other healthy fluids to stay hydrated.

• Stay physically active with regular exercise.

• Practise relaxation techniques, manage stress, and keep a positive outlook.

Triggers that Can Worsen Symptoms of Migraine

Migraine triggers can be different for every person, but some common ones include:

• Dehydration

• Certain foods, such as processed foods, chocolate, or foods containing MSG and artificial sweeteners

• Excessive caffeine consumption

• Alcohol

• Strong scents, such as perfumes

• Irregular or insufficient sleep

• Weather changes, including increased humidity

Migraine Treatment Cost

Migraine needs to be managed with ongoing treatment, which may cost around ₹10,000 to ₹1.5 lakh per year. The treatment cost depends on the frequency of doctor visits, the cost of prescribed medications, and the charges for recommended therapies. Other expenses to consider include MRI scans (₹2,000 to ₹15,000), neurologist consultations (₹1,500 to ₹2,000 per session), and CT scans (₹1,000 to ₹15,000).

Does Health Insurance Cover Migraine Treatment in India?

Yes, health insurance generally covers migraine treatment in India, as migraine is classified as a neurological disorder. If emergency treatment or hospitalisation is medically required, eligible hospitalisation expenses, pre and post-hospitalisation care, ambulance fees, ICU expenses, and other in-patient treatment are generally covered. Some policies may also cover outpatient treatment through the OPD benefit. 

However, coverage for migraine may come with an initial waiting period of 30 days. If migraine is a pre-existing condition, a PED waiting period of up to 3 years may apply, depending on the policy.

Migraine requires ongoing treatment, which can be quite expensive. Therefore, health insurance coverage of ₹10 lakh to ₹20 lakh is recommended to adequately cover treatment costs.

Disclaimer: Read the policy documents thoroughly, as the inclusions, exclusions, and other terms can differ for each policy.