COPING WITH MIGRAINE

NEW DEVICES are now available to deal with migraines, says Dr Gowda. Cefaly, for instance, is a nondrug, non-invasive treatment for coping with the severe complication. Approved by the U.S. FDA, it is a nerve-stimulating device and looks like a headband. New drugs are also being developed to deal with migraine attacks. The FDA has recently approved Aimovig for preventive treatment. It is one of the new group of drugs that can block calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a molecule which spikes during migraine attacks and sensitises the nerves in the face, head and surrounding areas, thus intensifying the pain. However, there could be unpleasant side effects and such medicines may not be effective for all. So, avoiding headache triggers seems to be the best solution, at least for the time being.