Migraine: the CGRP revolution
Preventive antibodies and gepants change the game
Dr. Antoine Mercier
Neurologist
In simple terms
Erenumab, rimegepant, lasmiditan: a new arsenal for chronic migraine sufferers.
A disabling neurological disease
Migraine affects 12% of adults, mostly women. Throbbing unilateral headache, nausea, photophobia, phonophobia, sometimes preceded by aura. Major impact on quality of life.
Acute treatments
NSAIDs, triptans, gepants (rimegepant, ubrogepant), lasmiditan. Avoid medication overuse (>10-15 days/month).
Prevention
- Beta-blockers, topiramate, amitriptyline (historical)
- Anti-CGRP antibodies (erenumab, fremanezumab, galcanezumab, eptinezumab): monthly/quarterly injection, very well tolerated
- Atogepant, rimegepant oral for prevention
- Botulinum toxin for chronic migraine
Lifestyle
Regular sleep, hydration, identify triggers (food, hormones, stress), CBT, mindfulness.
The words explained
Medical terms used above, in everyday language.
- Chronic
- A problem that lasts a long time, usually more than three months, and often comes back.
- Acute
- Something that starts suddenly and lasts a short time.
- Hormone
- A chemical messenger made by your body that tells organs what to do.
- Prevention
- Steps taken before a problem starts, to make it less likely.
- Antibody
- A protein your body makes to recognise and neutralise a specific germ.
When should you see a doctor?
- Your symptoms last more than a few weeks or keep coming back.
- They get worse quickly, or stop you doing everyday things.
- You notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding — seek urgent care.
- You already take medication and want to change anything about it.
This article explains general health information. It does not replace advice from your own doctor.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Migraine: the CGRP revolution?
- Erenumab, rimegepant, lasmiditan: a new arsenal for chronic migraine sufferers.
- What are the main symptoms or signs of Migraine: the CGRP revolution?
- Common signs vary from person to person. The article above lists the symptoms to watch for, how they progress, and when they need medical attention.
- When should you see a doctor for Migraine: the CGRP revolution?
- See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few weeks, get worse quickly, stop you doing everyday things, or if you notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding.
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