From the Research
Oxygen therapy is not a standard or first-line treatment for migraines, but it may be considered in specific situations such as when patients have both migraine and cluster headache features, when standard migraine treatments have failed, or in hospital settings for severe, refractory migraines. The evidence supporting oxygen use for migraines is limited, and most studies focus on its effectiveness in treating cluster headaches. For example, a study published in 2017 1 found that high-flow oxygen therapy may be a feasible and safe strategy to treat acute migraine, but further studies are required to determine its efficacy. In contrast, oxygen therapy is a well-established treatment for cluster headaches, with studies such as the one published in 2024 2 demonstrating its effectiveness in reducing pain.
When considering oxygen therapy for migraines, it's essential to weigh the potential benefits against the lack of strong evidence supporting its use. Patients interested in oxygen therapy for migraines should discuss this option with their healthcare provider, as it requires a prescription and proper equipment setup. Standard migraine treatments like triptans, NSAIDs, anti-nausea medications, and preventive therapies remain the primary approach for most migraine sufferers.
Some key points to consider when evaluating the use of oxygen therapy for migraines include:
- The limited evidence supporting its effectiveness for migraines specifically
- The potential benefits of oxygen therapy in reducing pain and inflammation
- The importance of proper equipment setup and prescription
- The need for further studies to determine the efficacy of oxygen therapy for migraines
- The role of oxygen therapy in treating cluster headaches, which may inform its potential use in migraines.
Overall, while oxygen therapy may not be a standard treatment for migraines, it may be considered in specific situations, and patients should discuss this option with their healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment.