Peer Reviewed
Feature Article Neurology

Management of migraine

Catherine D Stark, Richard Stark
Abstract
Many patients with migraine do not seek medical attention and self-medicate. They are often unaware of the modern treatments for migraine, which now offer an effective means of managing their condition.
Key Points
  • Migraine is a common condition that is often managed suboptimally.
  • Acute treatment is best initiated early in the course of a migraine attack, partly because gastric stasis may affect treatment efficacy.
  • Prophylaxis is effective and underused.
  • Beware of medication overuse, which can increase headache frequency and decrease the effectiveness of prophylactic agents.
  • If the diagnosis is unclear or management is ineffective, consider referring the patient to a neurologist.
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