A recent review published in the Journal of Headache and Pain suggests that 14% of the global population is affected by migraine, a neurological condition with debilitating symptoms. The same review suggests that as much as 52% of the population suffers from a range of headache disorders, with migraine being only one. Researchers across the world are working hard to find effective medication for migraine relief and for the future prevention of migraine. Today, we’re seeing a crop of new treatments for migraine that are focused not just on soothing active migraine attacks but also minimizing future attacks or preventing them altogether.
Acute migraine treatments
Migraine attacks can be debilitating, severely disrupting a person’s ability to function. Sometimes they come out of nowhere, and other times, an aura or warning symptoms appear before the worst of it sets in. Many people find that acute treatments during the warning stage can minimize the severity of the attack or even stop it from happening at all. Others report that even if a full migraine does set in, the acute treatments help to reduce the duration or intensity of the symptoms. Depending on the specific treatment, the medication may be taken orally or intravenously, or used as a nasal spray. Some migraine medications can be used for both acute migraine attacks as well as long-term for migraine prevention. Typically, acute migraine treatments fall into one of the following categories:
- Triptans – These medications stimulate serotonin, a neurotransmitter that reduces inflammation and restricts blood vessels. Highly effective, but not recommended for those with vascular disease, heart disease, or stroke.
- Gepants – These work by targeting and reducing a protein that reduces inflammation in the brain, but they do not restrict blood vessels and therefore can be used by people with vascular disease, heart disease, or stroke.
- Ditans – Similar to triptans, ditans stimulate serotonin, but without restricting the blood vessels. They do have a sedative effect, however, which limits the patient’s ability to drive for 8 hours.
- Dihydroergotamine (DHE) – This is a migraine specific acute medication that constricts blood vessels and activates serotonin and other receptors. It is often used as a nasal spray, injection, or IV infusion. It cannot be taken orally.
Preventative migraine treatments
In addition to acute treatments taken to stop an active migraine, treatments for chronic migraines include preventative medicines to reduce the frequency and severity of their migraine attacks. As with most medications aimed at treating the brain, successful treatment often involves some trial and error before the individual and their doctor find the one that provides the most relief with the fewest side effects. A doctor who specializes in the treatment of migraine is usually the best guide for getting as close to “just right” as possible the first time around.
Interestingly, many of the latest migraine medications used to prevent symptoms are repurposed from other FDA-approved treatments. For example, certain anti-convulsant, antidepressant, and blood pressure medications are used to help reduce migraine. It’s important to consult a doctor before taking any medication, off-label or otherwise.
Botox injections are another method of preventing migraine attacks. The formula is injected around the fibers involved in migraine and headache pain and blocks the release of chemicals in the nerve endings there.
Neuromodulation devices
Neuromodulation devices use electrical currents or magnets to alter brain activity. When used for migraine treatment, the peripheral nerves of the head and face are stimulated with the aim of reducing the frequency or severity of migraine symptoms. Today, there are 4 FDA-approved neuromodulation treatments:
- The single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulator is a handheld device that affects electrical signaling in the brain with a magnetic pulse.
- The transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulator is a noninvasive handheld tool that uses electrical stimulation to target the vagus nerve in the neck. In 2021, this device was approved for use in adolescents aged 12-17.
- The transcutaneous supraorbital neurostimulator also uses electrical stimulation to stimulate the supraorbital nerves around the brow and forehead area. The device is FDA-approved for both preventive and acute treatment of migraine.
- In March 2021, a non-invasive multi-channel brain neuromodulation device was approved for the acute treatment of migraine. It’s worn as a headset and targets multiple nerves on the head.
Additionally, certain neuromodulation devices can be surgically implanted.
There is still so much we don’t know about migraines or how to effectively treat or prevent them so that no one has to suffer from the debilitating and disruptive symptoms ever again. That’s why medical research continues. At Synergy, we’re committed to doing our part to advance science to provide relief to those who need it most. Please join us by participating in a migraine clinical research study today.
Migraine clinical trial in San Diego | Synergy Research Centers
At Synergy Research in Lemon Grove, we’re currently enrolling participants in a migraine research study in San Diego. Eligible participants must be 18 years of age or older. The outpatient study will last 16 weeks and require 8 visits to our research facility. Participants can look forward to the satisfaction of taking action steps toward their own wellbeing and of working toward a better future and quality of life for themselves and future generations. Participants will be compensated for their time and travel. To enroll in our migraine research study or to find out if you’re eligible, give us a call at (888) 539-0282 or fill out our contact form today.