There is no cure for common migraine. The goals of treatment include controlling the symptoms and preventing further attacks.

Rest in a quiet, darkened room often will reduce the severity of the symptoms. Drinking fluids to prevent dehydration is important, especially if vomiting occurs.

Several medications may be advised for relief of symptoms, because the response of migraine to medications is highly variable. If a medication has been effective in relieving a previous migraine, it may be tried before others.

Over-the-counter analgesics may reduce pain if they are taken early in the development of the headache. If mild analgesics are ineffective, vasoconstricting or other medications may be beneficial. Ergotamine tartrate preparations constrict the arteries of the head and may be used alone or in combination with other drugs such as caffeine (Cafergot), phenobarbital, or Fioricet.

Propoxyphene or other medications that relieve pain or inflammation may provide relief for some people. Nausea should be treated early with Reglan, Compazine, or other anti-emetics.

Any factors that have triggered a migraine in the past should be avoided.

Preventive medications include propranolol, amitriptyline, ergonovine, cyproheptadine, clonidine, methysergide, calcium channel antagonists, valproic acid, carbamazepine, topamax, and many others.

Several medications may need to be tried before a medication that is effective in preventing migraine is found. Imitrex (sumatriptan) and other triptans have been found to be very effective in the treatment of migraine if taken at the beginning of an attack. It is self-administered as an injection under the skin or can be taken as a pill.

Common migraine does not indicate a life-threatening disorder. It usually is painful and annoying at the time it occurs. It may be chronic and recurrent, which can interfere with a person's lifestyle.

Rarely, severe migraine may result in a stroke, possibly due to prolonged constriction of blood vessels. Some people may have side effects of medications. A physician should choose the appropriate medications based on symptoms and other conditions.

• Frequent, recurrent attacks may interfere with lifestyle
• Side effects of medications
• Permanent neurologic impairments including stroke (rare)

See your health care provider if symptoms of migraine are severe, persistent, or recurrent. Call if any other new symptoms develop or there is a change in the severity or pattern of symptoms.

Call your health care provider if previously effective treatments no longer are helpful, or if symptoms indicating side effects of medications occur, including irregular heartbeat, pale or blue skin color, extreme sleepiness or sedation, persistent cough, depression, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain or cramps, dry mouth, extreme thirst, or others.

Also, call if you are taking an ergotamine-containing medication, and you are likely to become pregnant. (These medications should not be taken when pregnant.)