Migraine Headache

1. Treat Symptoms

• Have the person rest in a cool, dark room.
• Apply a cool compress or ice pack to the painful area.
• Massage the scalp.
• Give acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) for pain. Discuss with a doctor which medications would be best if the person has liver or kidney disease or heart failure.

2. When to Seek Medical Help

• See a health care provider if the headache persists or recurs.
• See a health care provider immediately or go to a hospital emergency room for a headache with stiff neck, fever, vomiting, or numbness or weakness in limbs or if the person has trouble speaking.

3. Follow Up
If you seek medical help:

• The health care provider will do an exam and may recommend treatment or lifestyle changes to prevent migraines.

SOURCES:
American Headache Society: "Preventive Treatments;" "Commonly Used Acute Migraine Treatments;" and "Migraine's House of Headaches...And Visiting the Neighbors."
FamilyDoctor.org: "Migraine Headaches: How to Deal With the Pain" and "Headaches."