There are indeed early signs that can announce a migraine attack, including increased sensitivity to light and sound, sudden fatigue or weakness, the onset of a headache or stiff neck, or dizziness.
Ubrogepant, already known for its indication in the treatment of migraine, is an antagonist of the calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor, or inhibitor of the CGRP protein which plays a key role in the development of migraine.
Lead author Dr. Richard B. Lipton of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine (Bronx, New York) said migraine is one of the most common diseases in the world, yet many patients go untreated and experience attacks without relief: “Improving care at the first signs of migraine, before headaches even begin, may be the key to improving outcomes. Research suggests that ubrogepant may allow people with migraine to function normally.”
The study is conducted among 518 participants suffering from migraine for at least one year and having suffered 2 to 8 migraine attacks per month during the 3 months preceding inclusion. All participants regularly experienced warning signs of a migraine attack. These participants were treated on 2 occasions over a 2-month period, first group with placebo for the first set of symptoms, then with taking 100 milligrams (mg) of ubrogepant for the second set of symptoms. The second group, vice versa. Participants reported their activity using a scale from 0 to 5, with 0 meaning “I could do everything normally”. The analysis confirms that:
- 24 hours after taking the drug, 65% of participants who received ubrogepant declared themselves “not at all limited” in their activities; vs. 48% of participants who received the placebo;
- 2 hours after taking the drug, participants who received ubrogepant were 73% more likely to report
“the absence of any limitations and the ability to function normally”
vs participants who received the placebo.
Treatment with ubrogepant can therefore effectively allow patients suffering from migraines who present warning signs before the attack to stop it at its first stage and continue their daily activities with little discomfort and disruption, conclude the authors.
These results only apply to people with reliable warning symptoms.
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