Open AccessProgress in the Pharmacotherapy of Menstrual Migraine
Author(s) -
E. Anne MacGregor
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
clinical medicine insights. therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1179-559X
DOI - 10.4137/cmt.s6170
Subject(s) - migraine , medicine , prophylactic treatment , menstrual cycle , menstruation , pharmacotherapy , acute migraine , clinical trial , migraine treatment , pediatrics , intensive care medicine , psychiatry , alternative medicine , pathology , hormone , placebo
Menstrual migraine is a common neurological condition reported to affect up to 60% of women with migraine. Most women manage migraine adequately with symptomatic treatment alone. However, in women with menstrual migraine, menstrual attacks are recognised to be more severe, last longer, and are less responsive to treatment compared with attacks at other times of the menstrual cycle. In these situations, prophylactic treatment may be necessary. Short-term perimenstrual and continuous prophylactic treatments have shown efficacy in clinical trials but none are licensed for menstrual migraine. This article reviews the evidence for acute and prophylactic drugs in the management of this condition and considers future therapeutic options.