Optimizing migraine therapy: evidence-based and patient-centered care

Abstract

Migraine is a chronic, intermittently debilitating neurovascular condition that affects the physical, mental and social aspects of health-related quality of life. Primary care provider interactions with migraine sufferers are common, highlighting the need for clinicians to provide optimal therapy. A comprehensive therapy plan should encompass the whole patient, via a patient–physician partnership where goals and strategies are mutually established. Key treatments include nondrug approaches, such as education and lifestyle modifications, to reduce the occurrence of attacks, as well as acute medications to address the immediate need for relief during an attack. Routine assessment and adjustment of therapy based on data recorded by patient diaries is paramount. Clinical trials support the use of triptans and dihydroergotamine for moderate-to-severe migraine and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (alone or in combination with antiemetics or caffeine) for mild-to-moderate migraine, as the treatments of choice to reduce pain and disability time in a cost-effective manner. Published evidence also endorses stratified care, where medication selection is geared towards disease severity, instead of step care, where nonspecific mediations are given to all patients. Thus, patients with significant migraine-induced debilitation, as assessed by tools, such as the Migraine Disability Assessment Scale or the Headache Impact Test, are prescribed migraine-specific agents from the onset of therapy, thereby avoiding the inherent failures of step care. For individuals experiencing a high frequency of attacks or routine debilitation, preventive medications are warranted.