There is more than one way to treat a migraine.
Acute treatments focus on stopping migraine attacks that have already started. They include but are not limited to:
Pain relievers
Medication used to relieve pain such as aspirin or ibuprofen can treat the pain of a migraine attack, and work best when taken as soon as symptoms of a migraine attack begin.
Anti-emetics
This “anti-sickness” medication treats the nausea and vomiting that some people get with migraine attacks.
Triptans
Designed to treat migraine attacks, triptans reduce pain and sickness at the time they are taken.
Gepants
Gepants were the first oral CGRP receptor blockers that were developed for the preventive treatment of migraine.
Sources: Mayo Clinic, Brain Sciences
67% of people with migraine are not fully optimized on their acute treatment.
Source: J Occup Environ Med
There are different options to treat migraine. Make sure yours is working for you with this 5-question quiz.
Rachael was determined to live her life on her terms.
I would definitely tell people that are experiencing migraine to really tell it like it is… I want you to tell the doctor this is not just, you know, a little headache.”
Frequently asked questions
What is the current understanding of migraine?
A migraine is more than a headache. As a complex neurological condition, migraine is a disorder that affects the brain and can cause intense pain on one or both sides of the head. Symptoms usually include nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and/or sound, and poor concentration. A migraine attack can last 4 to 72 hours. There are approximately 40 million Americans living with migraine.
What are common triggers for migraine?
Many things can trigger a migraine attack, but they’re not the same for everyone.
Common triggers include:
- Stress
- Certain foods
- Alcohol
- Skipping meals
- Sudden changes in weather/barometric pressure
- Hormonal changes in women during their period
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Over-medicating
This is not a complete list of migraine triggers. Beyond these triggers, having a family history of migraine and being female can also impact the likelihood of having migraine attacks.
How many people are impacted by migraine?
Migraine is one of the most common neurological diseases. Migraine affects 1 in 4 households in the U.S. There are approximately 40 million Americans living with migraine.
Are there any recent developments that can help treat migraine?
Over the last few years, there have been many developments in better understanding a potential root cause of migraine pain and the introduction of a new class of treatment. If your current migraine medication is not working for you, talk to your doctor about different treatments available today.
How do I get rid of a migraine?
Since the severity and frequency of migraine attacks can differ from person to person, the way they’re treated can vary. There are two main approaches to migraine care: stop migraine attacks after they start (acute) or prevent them before they start (preventive). Many people with migraine use both acute and preventive treatments. These types of treatments can come in the form of oral medications, nasal sprays, injections, or devices.