Migraine treatment available today

In order to treat your migraines, consult with one of our board-certified doctors online today to prescribe medications to get relief from migraines. Get a new prescription to treat migraines or refill an existing prescription today.*

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Expert guidance for managing migraine triggers

Virtual consultations for migraine management

Individualized treatment plans for migraine relief

*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor's discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how to save up to 80% with our prescription discount card. PlushCare doctors cannot treat all cases of migraines. Our primary care physicians can conduct an initial evaluation of your symptoms but may need to refer you to a specialist or for in-person treatment. If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Learn about migraines

Migraines are a common neurological disease that can cause intense pain, sensitivity to light, and nausea. In addition, migraines are a recurring type of headache of varying severity. For some people, migraine attacks are so debilitating that they can't go about their normal day-to-day activities.



Migraine causes

  • Currently, direct causes of migraine headaches are an area of active research. However, researchers have found that several factors, such as genetics and the environment, seem to play a role.

    There are a variety of different factors that can trigger migraines. For some people, certain foods or drinks (e.g. alcohol) can trigger migraine headaches. Other common triggers of migraine attacks include stress, lack of sleep, bright lights, and strong smells. If you suffer from headaches, it's important to keep track of your triggers so you can avoid them in the future.

    Some key migraine headaches triggers include:

    • Emotional: Anxiety, stress

    • Physical: Overexertion

    • Hormonal: Hormonal changes in women during certain life stages

    • Environmental: Sudden shift in living environment (maybe related to stress)

    • Dietary: Not getting enough nutrition, skipping meals, caffeine

    • Medicines: Overdependence on migraine medication



Symptoms of migraines

  • From a regular migraine to a severe headache, different people experience different symptoms. The most common acute symptoms of migraines include throbbing or pulsing pains in the head. The pains are usually on one side of the head but can be anywhere else on the head and face. This acute pain can be moderate to severe. Other symptoms include:

    • Anxiety

    • Depression

    • Dizziness

    • Fever

    • Loss of appetite

    • Nausea and vomiting

    • Sensitivity to light, noise, and/or smells

    • Tenderness in the temples or neck

    Some people also experience an aura before a migraine. An aura is an acute warning sign that a headache is about to start. It can include visual disturbances, such as flashes of light or wavy lines. Migraine frequency also varies from person to person.



How to treat migraines

There are many ways that you can treat your migraines, and the best way depends on what is triggering your headaches.

If you know what is causing your migraines, you can try to avoid those triggers. However, keep in mind that there is no cure for migraines, and you will likely need to use a combination of treatments to find relief.

For the medicinal approach, your doctor will typically recommend medicines from either of the two categories:

  • Pain relieving medications: These include medicine taken during the migraine to help with pain relief, also known as acute or abortive treatment.

  • Preventive medications: These are used to try to prevent migraines from starting or occurring as often. They are taken on a regular basis, even when you don’t have a migraine. These medicines can be taken daily or just on days when you might be more likely to get a migraine.

Home remedies and alternative treatment plans


In addition to medication, here are some home remedies you can try that may help:

  • Relaxation techniques: Yoga and meditation can help to reduce stress, which can trigger migraines.

  • Sleeping in a dark quiet room

  • Biofeedback: This is a technique that uses sensors to measure things like heart rate and muscle tension. This information is then used to help the person learn to control their body in a way that reduces pain.



Migraine medications

There are a variety of migraine medications available to help provide migraine relief. Some of these medications are over-the-counter (OTC), while others require a prescription from your doctor.



  • OTC Medications

    • Pain relief medicine: There is a variety of pain relief medicine that you can take for your migraines, and the best one for you will depend on the severity of your migraines. If you have mild migraines, over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen or aspirin can be effective. However, if you have severe migraines, you may need to take prescription-strength painkillers.

    • Anti nausea medication: If you are suffering from nausea as a result of your migraines, there are a variety of anti-nausea medications that you can take. These medications can help to reduce the amount of vomiting, and they can also help to make you feel more comfortable. can help if you are experiencing nausea and vomiting.



  • Prescription medications

    If you find your current OTC medicine ineffective, talk to your doctor about getting prescription medications.

    • Triptans: These are specifically designed to treat migraines. They work by narrowing the blood vessels around the brain, and they can also help to reduce the inflammation that is associated with migraines. They can be taken as a pill, nasal spray, or injection.

    • Beta blockers: Examples include propranolol, atenolol and nadolol.

    • Anti seizure drugs: Examples include topiramate and valproic acid.

    • Antidepressants: Some individuals may also explore the option of antidepressants online as part of their prescribed migraine management strategy.



How to prevent a migraine

There are a few things you can do to avoid migraines. First, pay attention to your triggers and try to avoid them. Common triggers include stress, bright lights, strong smells, and certain foods.

If you can't avoid all of your triggers, try to manage them with relaxation techniques or medications. Second, eat a healthy diet and get enough sleep. Third, exercise regularly. Exercise can help reduce stress and improve your overall health. Fourth, if you're a woman, pay attention to your hormone levels.

Hormonal changes can trigger migraines, so talk to your doctor about birth control options or other medications that can help stabilize your hormones.



When to see a doctor for migraines

If you experience any of the following during migraines, it is important to see a medical professional:

  • Fever, stiff neck, or vomiting

  • Changes in your vision

  • Weakness or numbness in your face or body

In addition, if you experience the following:

  • You have never had a migraine before and are over the age of 50

  • Headaches that appear after suffering from a head injury

  • Migraines that come on abruptly

  • Migraines that prevent you from functioning normally despite medication

If you experience any of the above, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Migraines can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition, and it is important to rule out any potential causes.

Your doctor can perform the following to get an accurate diagnosis:

  • Take note of your symptoms

  • Evaluate your medical history

  • Perform physical and neurological examinations



Migraine treatment FAQs

  • How do you get rid of a migraine fast?

    There is no one answer to this question, as different people respond to different treatments.

    However, some common migraine treatments include over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen; prescription medications, such as triptans; and lifestyle changes, such as getting regular exercise and managing stress.

    You can get rid of a migraine fast by seeing a doctor online without having to leave home. An online doctor can confirm your migraine diagnosis, rule out other conditions, and give you a personalized treatment plan, including prescription medications not classified as controlled substances.

  • What are the symptoms of a migraine?

    The most common symptom of a migraine is throbbing or pulsing pain on one side of the head. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, and dizziness or vertigo.

    Some people also experience aura symptoms prior to their migraines, such as seeing flashes of light or experiencing temporary blindness.

  • Are migraines curable?

    Yes, migraines are curable, you treatment plan consist of several medication options:

    • Pain relief medication options, such as triptans, dihydroergotamines (D.H.E. 45, Migranal), lasmiditan (Reyvow), anti-nausea drugs, and opioid medications

    • Preventative medication options, such as blood pressure-lowering medication, antidepressants, anti-seizure drugs, and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) monoclonal antibodies

  • What home remedies are good for a migraine?

    Some common home remedies include applying cold or heat to the head, taking a relaxing bath, drinking plenty of fluids, and getting regular exercise.

    In addition, there are many lifestyle changes that are good for preventing and treating migraines. These include: eating a healthy diet and avoiding processed foods, eating ginger and magnesium, and trying yoga, meditation, or a massage for relaxation.

    Everyone is different, so you may need to experiment to find what works best for you.

3 simple steps to get treated for migraines today

Step 1

Book a migraine treatment online appointment.

Book a same day appointment from anywhere.

Step 2

Talk to your medical provider regarding your migraine symptoms.

Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.

Step 3

Pick up a prescription for migraines.

We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.

Related conditions to migraines

Migraine treatment pricing details

How pricing works

To request migraine treatment and get a new prescription or refill on your prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.

Paying with insurance

Membership

$16.99/month

First month free

Visits

Copay

30 days of free membership

  • Same-day appointments 7 days a week

  • Unlimited messages with your Care Team

  • Prescription discount card to save up to 80%

  • Exclusive discounts on lab tests

  • Free memberships for your family

  • Cancel anytime

Visit price with insurance

Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!

  • We accept these insurance plans and many more:

    • Humana
    • Aetna
    • United Healthcare

Paying without insurance

Membership

$16.99/month

First month free

Visits

$129

30 days of free membership

  • Same-day appointments 7 days a week

  • Unlimited messages with your Care Team

  • Prescription discount card to save up to 80%

  • Exclusive discounts on lab tests

  • Free memberships for your family

  • Cancel anytime

Visit price without insurance

Initial visits are $129.

Book an appointment

If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.

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PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.