Migraine is a neurological condition that affects millions of people worldwide.

Those who suffer from migraines often have to deal with a range of symptoms that can be debilitating, such as intense headaches, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Although there is no cure for migraines, new medications are being developed that can help to quickly soothe symptoms and make the condition more manageable.

What are Migraines?

Migraines are a type of headache that is typically characterized by intense pain on one side of the head. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), migraines affect about 12% of the world’s population.

Symptoms of migraines can vary from person to person, but they often include:.

Throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head
Sensitivity to light, sound, and smells
Nausea and vomiting
Dizziness or vertigo
Tingling or numbness in the face or limbs
Visual disturbances such as seeing flashing lights or zigzag lines

What Causes Migraines?

The exact cause of migraines is not known, but research suggests that genetics, hormonal changes, and environmental factors can all play a role. Migraines are believed to be triggered by a range of factors, including:.

Stress
Lack of sleep
Dietary factors such as caffeine and alcohol
Bright lights or loud noises
Changes in weather
Menstrual cycles in women
Certain medications

How are Migraines Treated?

There is no cure for migraines, but there are a range of treatments that can help to alleviate symptoms and prevent future migraines from occurring. Treatment options may include:.

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen
Prescription medications such as triptans and ergotamines
Anti-nausea medications
Changes in diet and lifestyle habits
Botox injections

New Medications for Migraines

Several new medications have been developed in recent years to help treat migraines. These medications include:.

1. CGRP Inhibitors

CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide) is a protein that is found in high levels in people who suffer from migraines. CGRP inhibitors are a new class of medications that work by blocking the action of CGRP in the body.

This can help to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines. There are currently three CGRP inhibitors on the market:.

Aimovig (erenumab)
Ajovy (fremanezumab)
Emgality (galcanezumab)

2. Ditans

Ditans are a new class of medications that work by blocking a specific type of serotonin receptor in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in the development of migraines.

Blocking this receptor can help to reduce pain and other migraine symptoms. The first and only ditan currently available on the market is called Reyvow (lasmiditan).

3. Monoclonal Antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies are medications that work by targeting a specific protein in the body. Aimovig, which is a CGRP inhibitor, is also a monoclonal antibody.

However, there are other monoclonal antibodies currently in development that target different proteins in the body that may be involved in the development of migraines.

Benefits of New Migraine Medications

New medications for migraines offer a number of benefits over traditional treatments. These benefits include:.

Fast-acting relief from migraine symptoms
Reduced frequency and severity of migraines
Improved quality of life for those who suffer from migraines
Reduced need for prescription painkillers, which can be addictive and have negative side effects
Effective in treating migraines that do not respond to other treatments
Less risk of rebound headaches, which can occur with overuse of pain medications

Conclusion

Migraines can be a debilitating condition that can have a major impact on a person’s quality of life. However, new medications that have been developed in recent years offer hope for those who suffer from migraines.

These medications work by targeting the underlying causes of migraines and providing fast-acting relief from symptoms. If you suffer from migraines, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider about which treatment options may be right for you.