ADVANCEMENTS IN MIGRAINE MANAGEMENT: DOCTORS TO PHARMACISTS INTERVENTION

Abstract

Migraine is a common disabling condition mostly in adult population and shows female predominance. Migraines are severe headaches that usually begin on one side of the head (often behind the eye) and spread to the whole head. Migraines can last from two hours to a few days. Migraines affect around one in 10 people. Most people who get migraines will have a family member with the same problem. This article reviews the path physiology, diagnosis and evidence based approach for management of migraine. Many patients with chronic migraine also have medication overuse, defined as using a compound analgesic, opioid, triptan or ergot derivative on at least 10 days per month. All doctors will encounter patients with chronic headaches. A basic working knowledge of the common primary headaches, and a rational manner of approaching the patient with these conditions, allows a specific diagnosis of chronic migraine to be made quickly and safely, and by making this diagnosis one opens up a substantial number of acute and preventive treatment options. This article discusses the current state of management of chronic migraine.