5 Effective Migraine Treatments

Migraine headaches are a complex chronic condition that can become disabling. At Alpenglow Pain & Wellness in Anchorage, Alaska, interventional pain management physician Dr. Nichelle C. Renk provides effective treatment for chronic migraines.

Your migraines are considered chronic if you go through 15 or more headache days within a month. Here are some of the treatments Dr. Renk offers to patients who have migraine-related issues.

1. Botox

Injections with Botox®, a form of botulinum toxin that’s safe for use in small doses as a cosmetic treatment, can provide effective relief for patients with chronic migraines. 

Botox temporarily paralyzes targeted muscles, reducing muscle contractions. Injections of Botox around the pain fibers in key areas in your head and neck can provide lasting pain relief.

Your Botox injection treatment takes about 20 minutes. With only a small needle used for your injections, you don’t need any post-appointment downtime. Dr. Renk typically recommends treatments every 12 weeks for patients using Botox to manage chronic migraines.

2. CGRP blockers

The protein known as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) may be linked to symptoms of pain and inflammation in your nervous system that are related to a migraine attack. CGRP is present at higher levels in the blood of people with chronic migraines.

Some chronic migraine patients find effective relief through medications that block CGRP, sometimes known as anti-CGRP medications or CGRP inhibitors. CGRP blockers can prevent migraines from occurring, shorten migraine duration, and reduce the intensity of your migraine symptoms.

Dr. Renk provides CGRP blockers in both injection and oral forms. 

3. NAD+

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) infusion therapy shows promise as a treatment for chronic illnesses like migraines. NAD+, a derivative of vitamin B3, is an essential coenzyme that your body uses for cellular function and cell repair.

Dr. Renk provides NAD+ infusion therapy using a supervised intravenous (IV) drip. You may need a series of 10 or more sessions for best results. Infusion sessions are done on an outpatient basis. After NAD+ treatment, you may find your migraine symptoms significantly reduced or even fully resolved.

4. Vitamin supplementation

Your body relies on essential vitamins and nutrients to stay regulated and keep functioning. Some key vitamin deficiencies can contribute to chronic migraines. At her clinic, Dr. Renk offers these vitamin supplements that could lessen your migraine frequency and intensity for purchase at 15% off MSRP.

Magnesium

According to the American Migraine Foundation, magnesium oxide in pill form can prevent migraines, and can also be given intravenously as magnesium sulfate for acute symptom relief. Magnesium is particularly likely to be helpful if you have aura accompanying your migraines. Diarrhea can sometimes occur as a side effect.

B12

Experts at the American Headache Society recommend vitamin B2 (riboflavin) to reduce brain inflammation and stress associated with migraine attacks. Studies show that three months of daily B2 supplementation can significantly decrease your migraine symptoms, duration, and frequency.

5. Butterbur extract

The shrub butterbur (Petasites hybridus) is a part of the daisy family. Made from the plant’s leaves and roots, butterbur extract has been used as a traditional medicine for centuries. Butterbur extract is especially known as a treatment for migraines.

The petasin compounds found in butterbur cause your blood vessels to widen, and have anti-inflammatory and anti-spasm effects. A randomized study showed that doses of butterbur extract resulted in significant reductions in migraine attacks.

Butterbur can have negative effects on your liver, so talk to Dr. Renk about whether this treatment option is right for you.

To learn more about how to tame your migraine headaches, get in touch with Dr. Renk at Alpenglow Pain & Wellness today. Schedule your initial consultation online now, or book by phone.