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Things to consider about migraine treatment
By Mayo Clinic staffLiving with migraines is a daily challenge. When it comes to migraine treatment, there are no guarantees. But you can work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan that meets your needs.
Consider the basic pros and cons of acute and preventive treatment:
| Treatment | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Acute medication | Allows medication to be taken on an as-needed basis | If overused, may lead to rebound headaches; triptans possibly too costly for those on limited incomes or without insurance coverage for medications |
| Preventive medication | Can prevent or control migraines before they start | Medication taken daily whether you're in pain or not |
Also ask yourself these questions:
- What treatments have been most effective for you in the past?
- Can you recognize early warning signs of an impending migraine?
- Are you comfortable taking medication every day?
- Are you concerned about possible side effects or medication overuse?
- Does your insurance cover some or most of the cost of triptans?
Even if you choose preventive treatment, you may still have migraines occasionally. Make sure you have acute medications on hand to treat them. Also consider how your lifestyle may be affecting your migraines. Making healthy choices about diet, exercise and stress can go a long way toward promoting good health.
Migraine FAQs: An interview with a Mayo Clinic specialist
