Migraine
Throbbing, one-sided headache – How to use migraine medication and preventive treatments. - **Understanding Migraines:** - What causes migraines? - Common symptoms of migraines. - **Medication for Migraines:** - Over-the-counter pain relievers. - Prescription migraine medications (triptans, etc.). - How to take migraine medication correctly. - Potential side effects and interactions. - **Preventive Treatments for Migraines:** - Lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, stress management). - Preventive medications. - Other therapies (e.g., acupuncture, biofeedback). - **When to See a Doctor:** - Warning signs that require immediate medical attention. - Finding the right doctor and treatment plan.
Just something different than a headache.
Migraine is a condition characterized by throbbing pain on one side of the head (or both sides), which worsens with movement and lasts for 4 to 72 hours. It is often accompanied by nausea and increased sensitivity to light and sound. Some people experience an "aura," such as zigzagging lights in their vision, before the headache begins.
- Pain relievers are most effective when taken as soon as the headache starts. If you wait, they may not work as well.
- If over-the-counter pain relievers are not sufficient, your doctor (neurologist) may prescribe migraine-specific medications (such as triptans).
Source: 질병관리청 국가건강정보포털 · as of 2026-08-13
If you find yourself taking pain relievers frequently, consider preventative treatment.
If you take pain relievers for more than 10 days a month, the medication itself can actually cause headaches, a condition known as "medication-overuse headache."
- If you experience headaches for more than 4 days a month, daily preventative medications or, recently, monthly preventative injections (CGRP antibodies) may be used.
- Keeping a headache diary (recording when they occur, what you ate, and your sleep patterns) can be very helpful in identifying triggers (such as lack of sleep, skipping meals, certain foods, or menstrual cycles).
This type of headache is an emergency.
Sudden and severe headaches unlike anything experienced before, headaches accompanied by fever and stiff neck, or headaches that come with paralysis on one side of the body or difficulty speaking may indicate a possible brain hemorrhage or meningitis, and require immediate emergency room treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Is migraine hereditary?
It often runs in families. If parents suffer from migraines, their children are also likely to experience them, but with proper management of triggers and treatment, it can be effectively controlled.
Does coffee help?
Caffeine can sometimes help with headaches initially, but consuming it daily and then stopping can cause rebound headaches. It's better to maintain a consistent intake of 1-2 cups per day.
Sources for this page
· 질병관리청 국가건강정보포털 (as of 2026-08-13)Last checked: 2026년 8월 13일
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