11 Aug The Future of Migraine Treatment

Migraine treatments have been around for a long time.

Looking for answers?

Numerous medications have been developed to treat the debilitating pain associated with a migraine. However, many of these treatments only partially treat migraine attacks and can produce nasty side effects.   With over 37 million people afflicted with migraine in the United States alone, treatments are constantly being researched and refined.

Where did it all start, and where do we see migraine treatment progressing?

Narcotics were the first form of migraine medication.

• The lessened the severity of a migraine attack.
• Known as “rescue drugs”, they treated the pain caused by migraine.
• Some major drawbacks included the possibility of being habit forming and causing withdrawal symptoms; many users reported once they stopped using narcotics, their migraines were more frequent and more severe.

Triptans gained popularity after doctors realized that narcotics are addictive.

• Decreases swelling in the brain by constricting blood vessels which lessens the migraine’s severity.
• Best taken immediately after a migraine begins.
• Biggest drawback is that it does not prevent new migraine.

CGRP (Calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor antagonist) is a new family of medications being tested at the Institute for Advanced Medical Research is unlike any previous migraine medication.

• Can potentially lessen the severity of a migraine attack (unlike Narcotics and Triptans).
• May limit the frequency and severity of future migraine attacks.
• Is the first medication specifically designed for migraine headaches, not as a pain relief medication.

Previously only available in injection form, there is now an oral/tablet option that is available as part of a clinical research study.  If you feel like you are out of options, a research study may help you find you the relief you want.

Researchers today believe that migraines are caused by a combination of factors including genetics, environmental triggers, chemical changes in the brain and nerve pathways.   Because we don’t fully understand why a migraine headache starts and how it evolves, the medical community is still researching new options and more effective treatments.

Call us today to learn more at 770-817-9200 or click here for information on how you can access a migraine research study in the Atlanta area.