A migraine is not just a bad headache. It’s a specific type of headache. And it often needs specific types of treatment.
Around 1 in 5 Australians will suffer from migraine at some point in their lives.
And for some, episodes of migraine will be far too frequent. They will develop what we call chronic migraine.
Chronic migraine is where someone has a migraine attack on 15 or more days per month, each month, for three or more months.
Symptoms of chronic migraine include headache, aura, or both. Chronic migraine can be limiting at best and debilitating at worst.
A migraine attack could disrupt your routine at any time. This impacts work life, social commitments, and relationships.
Individual episodes of migraine can be managed with what we call ‘acute’ treatment. This includes:
But using medicines like this too often can become problematic. This is where preventative medications become important.
Several different classes of medicines can help with chronic migraine.
Has your migraine preventer prescription run out? Order a repeat here.
To speak with an InstantScripts GP:
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Find Your MedicationClick here for more information on non-prescription therapies and lifestyle tips for migraine.
In recent years, targeted therapies have been specifically developed to treat chronic migraine. And as of mid-2021, people with chronic migraine in Australia have access to more options.
The calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) monoclonal antibodies are a new class of medicines for migraine. They can reduce migraine frequency, without serious side effects. They are given once a month as an injection under the skin.
In Australia, a neurologist can prescribe a CGRP monoclonal antibody (at a subsidised cost) if:
These medicines join the other recent recruit to managing chronic migraine: botox.
Botulinum toxin A (‘botox’) is given as injections every 3 months around the forehead, scalp, and shoulders. It slowly reduces migraine frequency and severity by altering the chemical messengers that cause migraine.
In Australia, chronic migraine botox treatment can be prescribed by a neurologist can (at a subsidised cost) if:
You can speak with an InstantScripts GP for more information about these treatments, or for a specialist referral.
To find out the latest in migraine news, tune into Migraine & Headache Awareness Week (September 20 – 24).
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