Migraines are a debilitating condition that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. They are characterized by intense headache pain, sensitivity to light and sound, and other symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.
For many people with migraines, conventional treatments such as over-the-counter pain relievers and prescription medications provide only limited relief. In recent years, intravenous (IV) therapy has emerged as a promising alternative treatment for migraines.
What is IV therapy and how does it work for migraines?
IV therapy is a type of treatment where fluids, medications, and nutrients are delivered directly into a person’s bloodstream through a vein. This allows the treatment to be absorbed more quickly and effectively than if they were taken orally.
IV therapy is often used for medical conditions that require immediate attention or for individuals who are unable to take medications by mouth. Treatments are available for a number of situations, such as dehydration, cold and flu, fibromyalgia, migraines, among others.
When it comes to migraines, IV therapy has shown to be an effective treatment option. The therapy involves administering a mixture of vitamins, minerals, pain relievers and other compounds directly into the bloodstream, which can help to relieve symptoms such as headache pain, nausea and light sensitivity.
Additionally, IV therapy also provides quick hydration, which can help to reduce inflammation and improve blood flow to the brain – hence, it contributes to the relief of migraine symptoms.
The therapy typically takes place in a doctor’s office or clinic and lasts from 30 minutes to an hour or more.
Is IV therapy safe and effective for migraines?
The treatment is generally considered safe when administered by a qualified health professional and under medical supervision, and has minimal side effects. The potential risks or side effects involved are allergic reactions to the substances being administered and, since IV therapy punctures the skin, there is a small risk of infection.
The effectiveness of IV therapy for migraines varies from person to person – most people experience quick relief from their symptoms. Also, when taken regularly as a maintenance treatment, IV therapy can help to prevent future migraine episodes.
Due to all this, it is important to consult with a professional who is experienced in IV therapy to determine if it is a safe option for your specific symptoms and to establish the best treatment option for you, taking into account your medical history, current health status, and the severity of your migraine symptoms.
Who is a good candidate for IV therapy for migraines?
This treatment may be a good option for individuals who experience severe, frequent, or treatment-resistant migraines. It may also be recommended for individuals who cannot take oral medications or have difficulty swallowing pills, such as older adults.
Another recommendation is for people who have difficulty absorbing nutrients through the digestive system – as the IV therapy delivers the nutrients and other compounds into the veins, no medication is lost during the digestive tract.
IV therapy is not recommended in some cases, therefore an evaluation by the healthcare professional is needed. Common contraindications include pregnancy, individuals with kidney or heart diseases, and those with a known allergy to any of the components of the IV solution.
What to expect during an IV therapy session?
Preparation for the session
You don’t need a specific prep before the procedure. Before the treatment starts, a healthcare provider will take a medical history, check for contraindications, and discuss any potential side effects or risks with the patient.
Insertion of the IV line and administration of the medication
The healthcare professional will clean the injection site and insert a small IV needle into a vein in the arm, and a small tube will be threaded through the needle and into the vein. Besides it may cause discomfort, this is typically not painful.
After that, the medication for migraine will be delivered through the IV line over a certain period of time (which may vary depending on the treatment).
Removal of the IV line
Once the medication has been administered, the healthcare provider will remove the IV needle and apply a bandage to the injection site.
The individual can usually go back to their regular activities after the drip.
IV therapy for migraines at Broadway Chiropractic and Wellness
If you experience persistent migraines and already tried conventional treatments with no or little success, consider IV therapy for your symptoms. At Broadway Chiropractic and Wellness, we have qualified professionals and a complete IV therapy infusion treatment.
Schedule your appointment online right now!
