In collaboration with Keck School of Medicine

New Treatments for Chronic Migraines are on the Horizon


Those who suffer from chronic migraines know all too well how debilitating the condition can be. Migraine headaches leave people in severe pain, often feeling nauseous and vomiting, and experiencing sensitivity to light and sound.

It’s a condition that can leave people unable to work, or engage in their normal, routine activities. The good news is that there is hope on the horizon. New treatments for chronic migraines are currently being tested, and they may be exactly what people need to find relief.

Dr. Steven H. Richeimer, MD, Director Pain Medicine Master and Certificate Program
Dr. Steven H. Richeimer, MD, Director Pain Medicine Master and Certificate Program

In the August 2019 issue of the Journal of Headache Pain, researchers offered a narrative review of the research that is being conducted on current and emerging treatments for chronic migraine

They report that those who experience chronic migraines must rely upon prophylactic treatment options, which aim to prevent a migraine episode from taking place. However, they state that improved therapy is needed to reduce the burden of chronic migraine. 

Related Reading: 5 Steps to Accurately Diadnose Chronic Trigeminal Neuropathy

The study shares information about new treatments on the horizon for those with chronic pain. They include monoclonal antibodies that target the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) pathway. They report that the anti-CGRP/R monoclonal antibodies have thus far shown to be effective and tolerable during clinical testing. 

At this point, they have gone through phase II and III of the clinical trials. Once the new treatment becomes available, it may be able to help those who are not using a preventative medication, and those who feel theirs is not effective in helping to address chronic migraine.

Chronic Migraine Pain

According to the National Headache Foundation, there are around 28 million people in the country who suffer from migraines. The foundation also reports that migraines typically start during adolescence or in the 20s.

Many people who have chronic migraine headaches are misdiagnosed, with health care professionals believing the person is experiencing tension or sinus headaches. Women are more susceptible to having chronic migraines than men are, and more than half of those who have them end up missing work or school as a result.

Those who suffer from migraine headaches can take a little comfort knowing that researchers are trying to find effective treatments to help with the condition. New treatments options are on the horizon. There are some non-drug therapies people can try to help prevent migraines, including getting proper sleep, eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of exercise, and engaging in relaxation techniques.

Postgraduate Dental Degrees in Pain Medicine

Do you want to continue your education with a master’s or certificate program in pain medicine while maintaining your professional practice? Explore the Herman Ostrow School of Dentisty of USC’s online postgraduate programs in Pain Medicine in partnership with the Keck School of Medicine of USC.

Author

  • Dr. Steven H. Richeimer

    Steven Richeimer, M.D. is a renowned specialist on issues related to chronic pain. He is the chief of the Division of Pain Medicine at the University of Southern California. He has written or co-written a large number of scientific articles about pain medicine. He recently published an instructive book and guide for pain patients. Dr. Richeimer has given numerous lectures to medical and lay audiences throughout the U.S.

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Posted: October 16, 2019

Author

  • Dr. Steven H. Richeimer

    Steven Richeimer, M.D. is a renowned specialist on issues related to chronic pain. He is the chief of the Division of Pain Medicine at the University of Southern California. He has written or co-written a large number of scientific articles about pain medicine. He recently published an instructive book and guide for pain patients. Dr. Richeimer has given numerous lectures to medical and lay audiences throughout the U.S.

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