Migraines without aura can occur as often as several times a week or as few times as once a year
Treatment of migraine without aura is largely the same as that of migraine with aura. While migraines without aura cannot be cured, symptoms can be improved with medications and preventative measures.
Migraine is a common disorder, ranked as the third most prevalent disorder in the world. Most migraines occur without an aura. Migraines without aura can occur as often as several times a week or as few times as once a year.
How to treat migraine without aura
Medications
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Triptans
- Calcium channel blockers
- Calcitonin gene-related peptide monoclonal antibodies
- Erenumab
- Fremanezumab
- Galcanezumab
- Eptinezumab
- Beta-blockers
- Antidepressants
- Antiseizure drugs
- Calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor (CGPR) antagonists
- Ubrelvy (ubrogepant)
- Nurtec ODT (rimegepant)
Magnesium supplements
Some research studies have linked the onset of a migraine to low levels of magnesium. Magnesium supplements may be helpful in preventing migraines or reducing the severity of a migraine episode.
Preventative measures
Certain measures can help prevent recurrent episodes and improve quality of life:
- Avoid food triggers, such as chocolate, caffeine, and artificial sweeteners
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Exercise regularly
- Get enough sleep
- Reduce stress
- Rest in a dark room
- Scalp massage
- Heat application (a heating pad may relax tense muscles)
What are symptoms of migraine without aura?
Symptoms of migraine without aura include:
- Throbbing pain typically on one side of the head
- Sensitivity to light, sound, and smells
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stiffness in the neck
- Irritability
- Frequent urination
