What Is The Best Way To Treat Different Types Of Headaches?

— -- Question: What Is The Best Way To Treat Different Types Of Headaches?

Answer: Headache pain affects tens of millions of people in the United States and hundreds of millions world-wide.

For acute mild to moderate migraine headaches, Tylenol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Motrin, or mobic, for example, or Midrin can be used.

For severe migraine headaches, the tryptans, that is Maxalt, Imitrex, or Zomig, for example, or Migranal, Fioricet, or anti-nausea medications, like Reglan or Compazine can be used.

To prevent migraine headaches, medications like beta--blockers, anti-depressants, and anti-convulsants are used as well as the injection of botulinum toxin, or Botox into specific regions of the face, scalp, and neck.

Tension headaches are the most common primary headache disorder and can be treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Motrin or Naprosyn, Tylenol or Zanaflex, which is a muscle-relaxant. Preventive treatment of tension headaches includes the use of a group of anti-depressants called the tricyclic anti-depressants, for example Elavil or Pamelor.

Cluster headaches are the least common headache type. Acute treatment includes breathing oxygen, use of the tryptans like Imitrex or Maxalt or indomethocin. Preventive treatment of cluster headaches may include drugs like verapamil, lithium, topiramate, and ergotamine.

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