Acute migraine attacks

Headache is the most common neurological condition in the world, with more than 90% of the population reporting headaches at some time in their lives. Among primary headache disorders, tension-type headache is the most prevalent worldwide, but in patients seeking medical help, migraine is by far the most frequently presenting headache subtype. Migraine is more prevalent than diabetes, epilepsy, and asthma combined. Prophylactic drugs aim to reduce the frequency of migraine attacks, their duration, and their severity. Agents used include antihypertensives (including beta-blockers and calcium-channel blockers), antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and NSAIDs. A number of physical treatments for migraine have been studied, including transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), occlusal adjustment, cervical manipulation, and acupuncture. There is extensive clinical experience of using beta-blockers in the prophylaxis of migraine. In general, the prognosis of migraine is favorable.