Migraine relief
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers for "migraine relief"
Effective Migraine Relief: Insights from Recent Research
Ibuprofen for Acute Migraine Relief
Efficacy of Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is a widely used over-the-counter medication for acute migraine relief. Studies have shown that ibuprofen, particularly at a 400 mg dose, is effective in providing significant pain relief. For instance, 57% of participants experienced headache relief within 2 hours compared to 25% with placebo, with a number needed to treat (NNT) of 3.2 12. Additionally, ibuprofen also helps reduce associated symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and phonophobia within 2 hours 12.
Comparison with Other Treatments
Ibuprofen 400 mg has been found to be as effective as rofecoxib 25 mg for 2-hour headache relief and 24-hour sustained relief 12. However, soluble formulations of ibuprofen provide more rapid relief compared to standard tablets 12.
Sumatriptan: A Versatile Option
Routes of Administration
Sumatriptan, a triptan family drug, is available in various forms including oral, subcutaneous, intranasal, and rectal. Subcutaneous administration is the most effective, with 59% of users experiencing pain relief within 2 hours (NNT of 2.3) . Oral sumatriptan 50 mg also provides significant relief, with 28% of users pain-free at 2 hours (NNT of 6.1) .
Patient Preferences
Patients prioritize rapid onset of action and complete pain relief. More than 90% of patients who were pain-free at 2 hours reported satisfaction with the treatment . Subcutaneous sumatriptan offers the fastest relief but is associated with higher adverse events compared to other routes .
Paracetamol and Aspirin: Accessible Alternatives
Paracetamol
Paracetamol (acetaminophen) 1000 mg is effective for acute migraine relief, with NNTs of 5.2 for 1-hour headache relief and 5.0 for 2-hour relief . When combined with metoclopramide, it provides efficacy comparable to sumatriptan 100 mg for 2-hour headache relief .
Aspirin
Aspirin 1000 mg, alone or with metoclopramide, is another effective option. It offers similar efficacy to sumatriptan 50 mg for 2-hour pain-free outcomes and headache relief . The addition of metoclopramide significantly improves relief from nausea and vomiting .
Alternative Therapies: Acupuncture and Chamomile
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a low-risk intervention that has shown promise in reducing the frequency and severity of migraine attacks. It is particularly beneficial for individuals who do not respond well to conventional medications .
Chamomile Oleogel
Topical chamomile oleogel has been found to significantly reduce migraine pain and associated symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and phonophobia within 30 minutes of application . This makes it a viable alternative for those seeking non-pharmacological options.
Conclusion
Effective migraine relief can be achieved through various pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. Ibuprofen, sumatriptan, paracetamol, and aspirin are all effective options, each with their own advantages and potential side effects. Alternative therapies like acupuncture and chamomile oleogel offer additional avenues for those seeking different approaches. Understanding patient preferences and the specific benefits of each treatment can help in tailoring the most suitable migraine relief strategy.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic