Posted by Bob Johnson (12.19.49.2) on April 03, 2000 at 11:27:14:
I'm one of a several folks who have reported that putting a ice pack/cold pack on the nap of the neck would abort or tone down an attack. (Some of the old timers will recall when packages of peas or mixed, diced vegetables were recommended!)
Saw this announcement of a new product; have no reports on whether it works. But my first thought: might be worth a trial to use at work, while traveling, etc.
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External Analgesic Product
Migraine Ice (The Mentholatum Company)
Indication: Relief of migraine headache
Availability: Boxes containing four pads for the temple, five pads for the forehead, or four pads for the back of the neck
Discussion: There are many different types of headache. An estimated 15% to 30% of women and 3% to 13% of men experience migraine headaches.[43] Patients may have as many as one attack daily or as few as one attack yearly. Manifestations of migraine include unilateral/bilateral pain that throbs and worsens with normal activities such as bending over or climbing stairs. Additional complaints include anorexia, photophobia, phonophobia, nausea, and vomiting. Patients often report that an aura or prodrome precedes the attack, with such manifestations as visual disturbances, paresthesias, numbness, weakness, and speech difficulties. Prescription medications include ergot derivatives, which entail a host of unpleasant adverse reactions. Scheduled narcotics also cause adverse reactions that limit their routine use. Even nonprescription products limit dosing and carry numerous warnings and precautions; certain patients cannot use them safely without first consulting a physician. For these reasons, nonpharmacologic alternatives for migraine may be useful in patients who either cannot use oral medications or would prefer not to use them.
Migraine Ice is an innovative cooling pad that may be used alone or in conjunction with other therapies. The pad's flexibility allows it to be worn during normal activities.
Patient Information/Instructions:
Open the resealable pouch and remove one pad. Unused pads may be stored in the pouch.
Prepare the pad by peeling off the protective film. This exposes the gel core. The outer part of the pad is a soft flexible material. The gel side of the pad is placed on the forehead, temple, or back of the neck.
The pad is instantly cool, and this effect lasts up to 4 hours.
Apply the pad as soon as the aura appears signaling the onset of the migraine.
There is no time limit on use of the pads. As soon as one has warmed to room temperature, another may be applied.
The pad should not be allowed to contact the eyes, and use should be discontinued if skin sensitivity or irritation develops.
Discard each pad after use.