• New York
  • |
  • New Jersey

Pharmacological Treatments

For most types of headache pain, there’s no permanent headache cure. But there are plenty of effective headache treatments available to reduce the frequency and severity of the pain. In New York and New Jersey, you have access to an exceptional team of neurologist – pain management headache experts at Neuro Injury Specialists. Dr. Dmitriy Dvoskin, Dr.Mark Cohen and Dr. Leon Reyfman offer a personalized headache treatment designed to target your specific pain. Call them today for a consultation.

Table of contents

    What Pharmacological Treatments Can Relieve My Headaches?

    Pharmacological Treatments Headache ReliefPharmacological treatments  are medications that relieve or prevent headache pain and symptoms. They are suitable for people who have moderate to severe, frequent, chronic or specific types of headaches.

    Doctors Mark Cohen and Dmitriy Dvoskin  of Neuro Injury Specialists are board certified neurologists and pain management specialists in New York and New Jersey. They use a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to provide a headache cure when possible as well as personalized care that meets your needs and goals. Using state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment,  they diagnose different types of headaches  and offer effective headache treatment.

    What Are the Main Classes of Drugs Used to Treat Headaches?

    Different types of drugs are used to treat headaches, depending on the cause, type and severity of the pain. Some are used for specific types of headaches or as adjunctive therapies to other headache treatments.

    For example, anti-nausea drugs can help with migraine-associated nausea and vomiting. Beta-blockers can prevent migraines triggered by stress or anxiety,  and opioids can be used as a last resort for severe or refractory pain.

    The main classes of drugs include:

    • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These are over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers that reduce inflammation and block pain signals. They include aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen. They are effective for mild to moderate headaches, such as tension headaches and some migraines.
    • This is another OTC pain reliever that works by putting up a nerve block  and stopping pain signals in the brain. It doesn’t have anti-inflammatory effects, but is effective for mild to moderate headaches, especially if NSAIDs are not tolerated or contraindicated.
    • These are prescription drugs that target specific receptors in the brain involved in migraine pain.  They constrict blood vessels and block pain signals. They include sumatriptan, rizatriptan and zolmitriptan. They are effective for moderate to severe migraines, especially if taken early after exposure to migraine triggers.
    • This is a prescription drug that’s similar to triptans but lasts longer. It constricts blood vessels and blocks pain signals. It’s available as an injection or a nasal spray and is effective for moderate to severe migraines that last longer than 24 hours or don’t respond to triptans.
    • Anti-seizure drugs. These are prescription drugs that were originally developed for treating epilepsy but can also prevent or reduce the frequency of chronic headaches and migraines. They affect the brain chemicals involved in headache generation. They include topiramate, divalproex sodium and gabapentin. They are effective for people who have frequent or chronic headaches that don’t respond to other treatments.
    Types of Drugs Used to Treat Headaches

    How Do These Drugs Relieve or Prevent Headache Pain?

    Headache pain is caused by the activation of pain-sensitive nerve fibers in the head and neck. These nerve fibers can be triggered by various factors, such as inflammation, blood vessel dilation, muscle tension or chemical imbalance.

    Different drugs offer varying degrees of a temporary headache cure:

    • NSAIDs and acetaminophen inhibit the production or action of prostaglandins, which are chemicals that cause inflammation and sensitize nerve endings to pain. They can reduce both the intensity and duration of headache pain.
    • Triptans and dihydroergotamine stimulate serotonin receptors in the brain, which constrict blood vessels and inhibit the release of inflammatory substances. They can stop or reverse the migraine process and relieve associated symptoms, such as nausea and sensitivity to light and sound.
    • Anti-seizure drugs stabilize the electrical activity of nerve cells in the brain, which may be abnormal in people with chronic headaches. They can prevent or reduce the frequency and severity of headache attacks.

    The best headache treatment for each individual varies depending on your unique situation and response to treatment. Consult a qualified and experienced doctor before starting any pharmacological treatment for your headache.

    The best drug for your headache depends on several factors, such as:

    • The cause and type. Some drugs work better for specific headaches, such as migraines or cluster headaches.
    • The severity and frequency. Some drugs are more suitable for mild or occasional headaches, while others are more suitable for severe or chronic headaches.
    • Your symptoms and complications. Some drugs work well to treat co-existing conditions such as nausea, high blood pressure or muscle spasms.
    • Your medical history and overall health. Some drugs may be unsafe or ineffective if you have certain diseases like allergies,  or experience interactions or side effects.
    • Your age and gender. Some drugs carry different effects or risks in different age groups or sexes.
    • Your preferences and lifestyle. Some drugs may have different advantages or disadvantages depending on the cost, availability, convenience, dosing schedule, tolerance, dependence or addiction potential that may not work for your needs.

    Neuro Injury Specialists is the ideal place to get the professional guidance and care you need for your headaches. Don’t let headaches disrupt your life. Contact the Neuro Injury Specialists clinic today  to schedule an appointment with pain management specialists Dr. Dvoskin or Dr. Reyfman. Take action and see an improvement in your quality of life.