Recovery & Support for Migraine

NYU Langone doctors closely monitor your response to surgery or medications they’ve prescribed to manage debilitating migraines. The goal is to minimize side effects—like dizziness or tiredness—and ensure optimal pain relief.

Your doctor may also recommend integrative therapies to help alleviate migraine pain. These therapies may be used in conjunction with medication or on their own after the completion of medical treatment.

Relaxation Techniques

NYU Langone neurologists may recommend evidence-based relaxation techniques that can supplement treatment for headache.

Biofeedback involves learning to control bodily functions that are not usually voluntary. It can promote relaxation and lessen headache symptoms by reducing tension in the muscles.

A different technique, progressive muscle relaxation, involves tensing and relaxing particular muscle groups in a systematic way.

Vitamin Supplements

Several types of vitamins, such as magnesium and vitamin B2, may help to prevent migraines. Your doctor may recommend that you take vitamin supplements alone or in combination with medication during recovery from medical treatment.

Clinical Trials

People whose migraine symptoms are unresponsive to medication may benefit by participating in clinical trials investigating other treatment options. During these clinical trials, new medications are evaluated in strict, scientifically controlled settings. Such research studies are required for regulatory approval of new therapies.

NYU Langone neurologists often are involved in in clinical trials. They can guide you through the enrollment process and help you determine if a clinical trial is a good option for you.

Stress Management

You may be able to reduce the occurrence of migraines by learning how to manage stress. Stress management therapy features the use of cognitive behavioral methods to teach people to recognize and manage early migraine signs, cope with pain, and address sources of stress.

In cognitive behavioral therapy, also called CBT, a person works with a trained therapist to identify stressful situations and the feelings or behaviors that result. The therapist helps identify different behaviors or coping strategies that can lessen stress and anxiety.

NYU Langone specialists can provide guidance and instruction in relaxation techniques, as well as in simple breathing exercises for stress reduction.