Still Suffering From Migraines? Learn About Our Latest Treatments

When you think about migraines, you may think about headaches. But migraines are a brain condition that may or may not cause head pain. Some people with migraine have headaches, some only experience visual disturbances, and some suffer from both.

More than one billion women, men, and children around the globe are afflicted with migraines. The World Health Organization labels it “one of the most disabling medical conditions on Earth.” 

Since physical activity sometimes worsens pain and severity, migraine attacks can make it difficult or impossible to get through your daily routine, including work or school.

At Addison Pain + Regenerative Medicine, our caring and expert osteopath, Dr. John East, stays tuned to cutting-edge treatments for migraines to help you prevent attacks and tone them down when they occur. He evaluates and treats your migraine pain at our office in Addison, Texas.

What are the latest treatments for migraines? The following are a few that may be the solution you need.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) inhibitors 

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is an amino-acid chain that spikes in your bloodstream just before you get a migraine. Too much CGRP in your blood activates the nerves in your brain that control pain signals.

When you disrupt CGRP with CGRP-inhibiting drugs, you can stop a migraine or, if you think one’s coming on, you might actually prevent it. The CGRP inhibitors come in two forms:

CGRP receptor antagonists (aka gepants)

This type of medication blocks the pain receptors in your brain that CGRP normally occupies. Without a way to reach the nerves, the CGRP can’t activate pain signals. Examples of CGRP receptor agonists are:

• Atogepant — daily oral pill
• Rimegepant — a pill you dissolve under your tongue
• Ubrogepant — oral pill
• Zavegepant — nasal spray 

Atogepant can help prevent migraines. All of these medications can be taken as soon as you suspect a migraine is forming. You may even be able to take them to control the pain after a migraine is active.

CGRP monoclonal antibodies

Your body’s immune system uses antibodies to attack pathogens such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Monoclonal antibodies (moAbs) are a synthetic form of antibodies. However, instead of targeting pathogens, they’re designed to target specific cells in your body.

CGRP moAbs are designed to attack and destroy CGRP in your bloodstream. Some CGRP moAbs include:

• Eptinezumab — intravenous (IV) infusion, every three months 
• Erenumab —at-home injection, once a month
• Galcanezumab —at-home injection, once a month
• Fremanezumab —at-home injection, every 3-4 months

If you choose erenumab, galcanezumab, or fremanezumab, we teach you how to administer your injections safely, so you can treat yourself at home.

Botox®

Unlike Botox Cosmetic, Botox for migraines doesn’t smooth out your brow or erase your frown lines. The injection pattern for cosmetic purposes is different from that used to prevent and treat migraines.

When administered every 12 weeks, Botox helps prevent migraine headaches. It also turns down the pain level of the migraines you do get. It’s important to stick to the dosing schedule for the best results.

Botox prevents about 8-9 headache days per month. Most people feel the difference in the number and severity of headaches after their second treatment. Some even notice a change one month after their first injections.

More than one million women and men around the globe have tried Botox for migraine. Ninety-nine percent of those who currently use Botox for migraine plan to continue treatment with this neuromodulator.

Don’t give up on your migraines or give in to migraine pain. Prevent migraines and turn down the suffering by calling our office today at 972-380-0000 or requesting an appointment online.