Severe Migraine Treatment other than Medication

Hello...I have always suffered severe knock-you-on-your-booty migraines. There are generalized in either my temples or behind my eyes...like in my forehead. Bright lights hurt more than sound, but sound does hurt if there is too much bass. Sometimes, associated with nausea & dizziness. They are worse right before my periods. Sometimes, popsicles help. I don't know if this matters, but I have to wear earpugs to sleep & play waves really loud because of my loud neighbors. (this means I never get a break from noise). And the earplugs leave my ear feeling bruised & sore. I do grind my teeth sometimes when I am under a lot of stress. Then I get a sore & tight jaw. Not sure if that can contribute to migraine onset. I take Advil PM to help me sleep because that is the only way to stop the pain. Thanks for any advice on treatment...Oh...I was prescribed Sumatriptan for them & it works only sometimes, although it does have some dizziness as a side effect...

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you? Migraines usually respond to both preventive and acute medications as well as avoidance of triggers. If Sumatriptan does not work all the time, you need to inform your doctor for proper manageemnt. There are plenty of migraine medications available and sometimes you need to take several to determine the best medication for you.  You may also benefit from evaluation by an ENT doctor to rule out ear issues as well. Biofeedback mechanism and other relaxation techniques may also help. Take care and best regards.

[sara12345]

You don't say how often you get the severe headaches or why you want treatment other than medication.  In addition to the suggestions above, there is accupuncture.  

I also know of an anti-inflammation gel that usually heads off my headaches.  It is applied to the skin and does not go into the blood stream.  If you're interested I can supply the detailed info on this prescription.

If you get the migraines you might want to look into prophylactic medication which prevent the headaches, but do not act as pain medication.  Nerve block injections and Botox injections have helped me the most but maybe that's too much like medication which you are trying to avoid.

I'm surprised that someone with as terrible migraines as you describe would not want medication.  As Dr. Santos says above, there are many other pain meds besides the one that you mentioned.

I have other information as well to offer you if I know more about the frequency and your reasons.