"How many of us have been told it's just a headache?"
Migraines are not "just headaches". They are a complex neurological condition that affects around 1 in 7 people in the UK, with women being three times more likely to experience migraines than men. For many, migraines interfere with work, family life, relationships and overall wellbeing.
The good news? Migraine treatment has advanced significantly, and there are now multiple evidence-based options that can reduce pain, shorten attacks, and improve quality of life.
This guide explains how migraines are treated, what options are available, and how to find the right approach for you.
A migraine is a neurological disorder characterised by:
Moderate to severe head pain
(often one-sided)
Throbbing or pulsating pain
Rhythmic sensation
Nausea or vomiting
Digestive symptoms
Sensitivity to stimuli
Light, sound, or smells
What's happening in your brain: Migraines involve changes in brain signalling, nerve pathways, and inflammatory mediators, including CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide).
Migraine treatment falls into two key categories:
Taken once a migraine starts to stop or reduce symptoms
Taken regularly or strategically to reduce how often migraines occur
💡 Most people use a combination of both approaches for optimal migraine management.
Triptans are specifically designed for migraine and are supported by NICE and international headache guidelines.
Common examples:
• Sumatriptan
• Rizatriptan
• Zolmitriptan
How they work:
Best used: As soon as migraine symptoms begin — particularly effective for moderate to severe migraines
📊 Evidence shows triptans relieve pain within 2 hours in up to 70% of patients
Examples: Ibuprofen • Naproxen • Aspirin (where appropriate)
These can be effective for:
They work by reducing inflammation, which plays a key role in migraine pain.
Migraines often involve gut slowing, which worsens nausea and delays absorption of tablets.
Examples: Metoclopramide • Prochlorperazine
These medications can:
Reduce nausea & vomiting
Improve medication absorption
Enhance overall symptom control
Preventatives are considered if:
Common options include:
Beta blockers
(e.g. propranolol)
Antidepressants
(e.g. amitriptyline)
Anti-epileptic
(e.g. topiramate)
These work by reducing brain excitability over time and lowering migraine frequency.
Used when migraines are predictable, such as around menstruation.
Examples:
• Short courses of triptans (e.g. Sumatriptan, Rizatriptan)
• NSAIDs like naproxen
• Hormonal stabilisation strategies (clinician-led)
✅ This approach is well supported for menstrual migraine.
Newer therapies target CGRP directly and include:
CGRP monoclonal antibodies
Gepants (oral CGRP blockers)
Typically reserved for: Chronic migraine • Treatment-resistant cases • Specialist-led pathways
Medication works best when combined with lifestyle strategies:
Regular sleep & meals
Hydration
Stress management
Caffeine moderation
Identifying personal triggers
Keeping a migraine diary
Important: Lifestyle management does not replace medication, but it enhances treatment effectiveness.
You should seek professional advice if:
Early, appropriate treatment reduces the risk of chronic migraine and medication overuse headaches.
✔ Migraines are a neurological condition, not a willpower issue
✔ Triptans are the most effective acute migraine-specific treatment
✔ Preventative treatments can significantly reduce frequency and severity
✔ Hormonal patterns matter, especially for women
✔ Individualised treatment leads to the best outcomes
At TribElle, we believe migraine care should be accessible and evidence-based, especially for women whose symptoms are often under-recognised.
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