I am 27, female. How to manage my right-sided headaches?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 27-year-old female. Nowadays, I often get headaches on the right side of my head. Please answer a few of my questions:

May I know the potential triggers for migraines?
Are there over-the-counter medications and lifestyle modifications that could be effective in alleviating pain and the other associated symptoms?
May I know the long-term strategies to control the frequency and intensity of these migraine headaches?
What are the recommended approaches for managing a migraine attack?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com

I understand your concern.

ICHD-3 (International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition) criteria for migraine without aura are the following-

At least five attacks fulfilling criteria B through D.
Headache attacks lasting 4 to 72 hours (untreated or unsuccessfully treated).
Headache has at least two of the following characteristics:
1. Unilateral location.
2. Pulsating quality.
3. Moderate or severe pain intensity.
4. Aggravation by or causing avoidance of routine physical activity (eg, walking or climbing stairs).
During a headache, at least one of the following:
1. Nausea, vomiting, or both.
2. Photophobia and phonophobia.

For treatment:

Lifestyle measures: All children and adolescents with migraine should receive patient education and counseling about lifestyle measures that can help prevent attacks. These include good sleep hygiene, regular exercise, routine meal schedules, adequate fluid intake, and management of migraine triggers, as discussed below. Lifestyle measures may be the most important aspect of migraine management.
Additional treatment options: Besides lifestyle measures, preventive options for migraine include pharmacologic treatment, neurostimulation, and behavioral therapy. The choice among these options depends upon multiple factors, including the clinical setting, patient values and preferences, comorbid conditions, the adverse effect profile, availability, cost, insurance coverage, and clinician familiarity with specific treatments.

I hope this helps.

Kindly follow up if you have more concerns.

Regards.

Thank you.