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Getting the latest healthcare news for you
Getting the latest healthcare news for you
Migraine prevention just got a major update. The American Academy of Neurology and American Headache Society released new guidelines—the first since 2012—outlining who should receive preventive migraine treatments and which medications work best. The guidelines, based on a review of 217 studies, highlight newer CGRP-targeted therapies and emphasize that far more patients qualify for prevention than are currently receiving it.
The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) and American Headache Society (AHS) have released their first updated migraine prevention guidelines since 2012, offering clinicians a comprehensive roadmap for pharmacologic treatment. Based on a systematic review of 217 studies, the guidelines cover both episodic and chronic migraine and incorporate a wave of newer CGRP-targeted therapies that didn't exist when the last guidelines were written.
The recommendations advise offering preventive treatment to patients with 4 or more migraine days per month, or those whose migraines interfere with work or daily life. For pregnant patients, the guidelines urge maximizing non-pharmacologic approaches first, with pharmacologic options only after thorough risk discussions. Special guidance is also provided for patients with fibromyalgia, obesity, hypertension, and medication overuse.
Key Takeaways:
Why it matters: These guidelines could meaningfully expand access to migraine prevention by clarifying eligibility criteria and spotlighting effective newer therapies—helping clinicians feel more confident prescribing to a broader patient population.
