New guidelines aim to help prevent migraine attacks

The American College of Physicians (ACP) has released new guidelines to help prevent episodic migraines—those intense, recurring headaches that can last from hours to days and are often accompanied by nausea, light sensitivity, and more.

Many people suffer from migraines but never receive proper preventive treatment. The updated guidelines focus on helping doctors choose effective medications that patients can afford and are likely to stick with.

The ACP recommends starting with commonly available oral medications that have been proven to reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks. If those are not effective or cause side effects, newer treatments—designed specifically to block migraine-related proteins—may be considered. As a third option, other well-studied medications can be tried when earlier treatments do not work.

Cost and personal preference matter. Some treatments are much more expensive than others, and not everyone wants to use injectables or newer drugs. The guidelines encourage doctors to consider a patient's financial situation and lifestyle when choosing the best option.

Sticking with treatment is important, as benefits might not show up right away. It can take several weeks to see real improvements, so consistency is key.

These evidence-based recommendations are designed to help doctors better manage migraine prevention in everyday clinical settings—improving care for millions of people living with this disabling condition.

Source: https://www.acponline.org/acp-newsroom/new-acp-guideline-on-migraine-prevention-shows-no-clinically-important-advantages-for-newer