OTHER NON-DRUG TREATMENT METHODS

These treatments are not specific to migraine, but can also be used in various types of headaches. Although there is not enough evidence for some of these methods, they can be used in some well-selected patients.

Trigger point injection

Trigger point treatment is a treatment method that can be used in different types of headaches, especially migraine and tension-type headache. The condition referred to as a trigger point is the formation of an inflammatory reaction due to the involuntary contraction of a group of muscle fibers for a long time for various reasons, and this chronic inflammatory condition causes an increase in the release of pain neurochemicals, especially CGRP and Substance P. A number of local anesthetics, physiological serum, cortisone or Botox can be used for these pain centers, as well as the intramuscular stimulation method of thin and specially produced needles known as dry needles.

Dry needle treatment

This is an effective application based on the application of thin and specially produced needles to these tense muscle groups with the intramuscular stimulation method. As the name suggests, any drug is used in this application. Its effectiveness has been supported by many scientific studies. Since it does not involve the use of medication, it is especially preferred in restrictive situations such as drug intolerance, allergy or pregnancy.

Acupuncture

Based on traditional Chinese medicine and used in the treatment of many diseases today, acupuncture is thought to be effective especially in migraine attack periods. It is based on the principle of reducing pain by inserting needles of various characteristics into certain points.

Migraine surgery

It is based on the principle of releasing the muscles and veins around the nerve branches in the areas of the brain associated with migraine, especially the trigeminal nerve branches. This method, which is not included in migraine treatment guidelines, may cause some nerve-based pain due to the irreversible/permanent neuroanatomical deterioration it will create, and may also trigger migraine headaches. There are safer, cheaper treatments with fewer side effects compared to this invasive procedure.