Many individuals around the world suffer from severe migraines that disrupt daily life as a result of the pain resulting from them and which are very exhausting. With the development of medicine, the migraine needle has emerged to be an effective and quick solution for alleviating symptoms and controlling attacks. It is an ideal option for those for whom traditional methods of treatment have not worked, as it directly targets the causes of pain and gives the patient comfort in the shortest time. Follow us at Al Mousa Specialist Hospital to find out the details.

What is a migraine needle?

The migraine needle is a type of drug treatment that is used for injection through the skin, whether subcutaneously or intravenously, and is used to relieve or prevent migraine attacks. The migraine needle also works to inhibit the activity of some chemicals or nerve receptors in the brain that are associated with the occurrence of migraines, such as calcitonin gene-related peptide, the most prominent types of which are erenumab, fremanezumab, and galcanezumab, and they are usually used for prevention, but there are different types.

Learn about: الصداع النصفي Right causes, symptoms and treatment

Types of migraine needles

Types of migraine needles vary depending on the purpose of the needle. Some are used to treat an acute attack, while others are used to prevent recurrence of attacks. The most prominent types are as follows:

• Needles to treat an acute attack, such as sumatriptan, which is the most famous type of triptan, and is injected under the skin and is used to relieve acute pain during an attack, as well as a dihydroergotamine DHE 45 needle, which is used in cases of severe or persistent migraine headaches, and is often given in the hospital.
• Needles to prevent migraine attacks. These needles are usually used once a month. They target CGRP receptors and are effective for those who suffer from recurrent attacks. The most prominent of these needles are erenumab, galcanezumab, fremanezumab, and eptinezumab.

Features of migraine needle

The migraine needle has many benefits that make it an effective choice for many patients, especially those whose condition has not responded to traditional medications. The most prominent features of the migraine needle are as follows:

• Rapid effectiveness, as some injections such as sumatriptan help relieve pain within minutes of injection.
• For long-term prevention, others, such as erenumab and galcanezumab, significantly reduce the number of attacks per month when used regularly.
• It is usually given once a month or once every three months, which makes it convenient for the patient.
• Helps reduce dependence on painkillers.
• It helps reduce the severity and frequency of headache attacks, and thus the patient feels comfortable and stable.
• Side effects are usually mild compared to some other treatments, such as irritation at the injection site or fatigue.

Read also: What is the difference between migraine and regular headache?

Types of migraine needles for critical cases 

In critical cases of migraine, which include severe or persistent attacks, it is difficult to control them using oral medications. Certain types of migraine needles are used to treat the attack quickly and effectively. The following are the most prominent types designated for these cases:

• Sumatriptan hypodermic needle, which is used to treat acute migraine attacks, takes effect within ten minutes to a quarter of an hour after injection, and is effective in reducing pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound.
• An intramuscular or intravenous dihydroergotamine needle. It is used in emergencies and for cases that do not respond to other treatment. It is an effective needle in stopping the seizure and preventing it from continuing for hours or days. It is sometimes given in the hospital under medical supervision.
• Intravenous metroclopramide, which is often used with DHE to reduce nausea and improve drug absorption, and is effective for migraines with gastrointestinal symptoms.
• Eptinezumab is for the prevention of chronic conditions. It is given intravenously every three months. It is suitable for recurrent chronic conditions that need to radically reduce the number of seizures. These injections are given in emergency departments or under direct medical supervision, and it is considered one of the strong options when other treatments fail.

Book your consultation now at مركز العلوم العصبیة At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital.

Frequently asked questions

When does the migraine injection take effect?

The effect of the migraine needle usually begins within a short period depending on the type of needle used. For example, the sumatriptan subcutaneous needle begins to relieve symptoms within 10 minutes to a quarter of an hour, which makes it an ideal option for acute attacks. However, preventive needles such as erenumab or galcanezumab require several days to weeks until their effect in reducing the severity and frequency of attacks appears, with regular use.

What is the solution to severe headaches?

The solution to severe headaches depends on the type and cause, but in severe and sudden cases, it is recommended to rest in a dark and quiet place, and to take fast-acting analgesics such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, and in the case of migraines, a medication such as sumatriptan or a specialized needle is used, and if the pain continues or recurs chronically, it is recommended to see a doctor to determine the exact cause and prescribe appropriate preventive treatment or conduct additional tests.

What is the forbidden food for migraine patients?

Patients with migraines should avoid certain foods that trigger attacks, such as aged cheeses such as cheddar and Parmesan, chocolate, excess caffeine, processed meats such as mortadella and sausages, very salty foods rich in monosodium glutamate, and alcoholic beverages. It is also preferable to stay away from foods that contain artificial sweeteners or nitrates, as these ingredients may dilate blood vessels and trigger headaches.

Migraine needles can be relied upon to get rid of migraines in some cases, as previously mentioned, and with the experienced and competent specialist doctors at Al Mousa Specialist Hospital, the problem can be treated effectively. Book your appointment now for an accurate diagnosis and to begin acupuncture.

المصادر: 

Does Dry Needling Treat or Prevent Migraine Headaches – healthline

What are migraine injections and how do they work – medicalnewstoday