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Treatments and drugs
By Mayo Clinic staffThere is no specific treatment for the signs and symptoms of aura. Treatment for migraine with aura is similar to treatment for migraine without aura.
Pain-relieving medications
Medications used to relieve migraine pain work best when taken at the first sign of an oncoming migraine; for example, as soon as you notice signs and symptoms of a migraine aura beginning.
Types of medications that can be used to treat migraine pain include:
- Over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers
- Triptans, prescription drugs used specifically for migraine
- Ergots, another family of drugs used for migraine
- Anti-nausea drugs, to help with nausea and vomiting
Preventive medications
Medications can help prevent frequent migraines, with or without aura. Your doctor may recommend preventive medications if you're having more than four headaches a month, your headaches last more than 12 hours or you feel disabled by your migraines. Preventive medication options include:
- Blood pressure-lowering medications
- Antidepressants
- Anti-seizure drugs
- Botox injections
Stress management
Cognitive behavioral therapy, a technique that teaches you more appropriate ways to deal with stressful situations, may help reduce the number of migraines you have.
- Bajwa ZH, et al. Pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis of migraine in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 6, 2011.
- Headache: Hope through research. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/headache/detail_headache.htm?css=print. Accessed Jan. 6, 2011.
- Pelak VS. Approach to the patient with visual hallucinations. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 6, 2011.
- Ramzan M, et al. Headache, migraine, and stroke. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 6, 2011.
- Bajwa ZH, et al. Acute treatment of migraine in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 6, 2011.
- Hauge AW, et al. Trigger factors in migraine with aura. Cephalalgia. 2010;30:346.
- Bajwa ZH, et al. Preventive treatment of migraine in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 6, 2011.
- FDA approves Botox to treat chronic migraine. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm229782.htm. Accessed Dec. 2, 2010.
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