With advancements in medical science, there are several promising migraine treatments. These innovations aim to provide relief and improve the quality of life for migraine sufferers. Let's explore what's on the horizon.
1. FDA-Cleared Neuromodulation Devices
Non-drug options have grown in popularity, offering relief through gentle electrical or magnetic stimulation. These devices are available today with a prescription.
Commonly used wearable devices:
Cefaly – A trigeminal nerve stimulation device used daily for prevention or during attacks.
Nerivio – A remote electrical neuromodulation armband worn during attacks.
gammaCore (non-invasive vagus nerve stimulator) – Used for acute migraine relief and sometimes prevention.
Relivion MG – A dual-channel device stimulating trigeminal and occipital nerves.
Why patients use neuromodulation
Drug-free
Can be used alongside medications
Often fewer side effects
Convenient for patients sensitive to pharmaceuticals
These devices are real, accessible tools for many patients.
2. CGRP Inhibitors (Preventive & Acute Medications)
CGRP-targeting medications have become one of the most important breakthroughs in modern migraine treatment.
Preventive CGRP monoclonal antibodies (injections):
Aimovig (erenumab)
Ajovy (fremanezumab)
Emgality (galcanezumab)
Vyepti (eptinezumab – IV infusion)
Acute CGRP receptor blockers (“gepants”):
Ubrelvy (ubrogepant)
Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) – used for both acute and preventive treatment
Qulipta (atogepant) – preventive
Advantages
Fewer side effects than older migraine medications
Highly targeted mechanism
Monthly, quarterly, or daily options
Effective for patients who haven’t responded to triptans
These drugs are widely available and will continue to be top choices.
3. Traditional Preventive & Acute Medications (Still Widely Used)
Even with new therapies, established medications remain effective and cost-efficient.
Acute treatments
Triptans (sumatriptan, rizatriptan, eletriptan, etc.)
NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen)
Dihydroergotamine (DHE) nasal spray or injection
Combination medications (e.g., sumatriptan/naproxen)
Preventive medications
Beta blockers (propranolol, metoprolol)
Anticonvulsants (topiramate, valproate)
Antidepressants (amitriptyline, venlafaxine)
Blood pressure medications (Candesartan)
These medications remain first-line treatments depending on the patient’s history and comorbidities.
4. Botox (OnabotulinumtoxinA) for Chronic Migraine
Botox is FDA-approved for chronic migraine (15+ headache days per month).
Benefits
Reduces headache frequency
Administered every 12 weeks
Suitable for patients who haven’t responded to oral preventives
Helps decrease medication overuse headaches
Botox continues to be one of the most effective long-term preventive options on the market.
5. Behavioral & Lifestyle Therapies (Clinically Proven)
These treatments are widely accessible and evidence-backed.
Effective non-pharmacological approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Biofeedback therapy
Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR)
Regular exercise programs
Sleep regulation plans
These therapies can be used alone or alongside medical treatments.
6. Digital and App-Based Migraine Management Tools
Several clinically vetted migraine apps are available today to help track symptoms and triggers.
Popular evidence-based migraine apps include:
Migraine Buddy
N1-Headache
Happify / mindfulness apps (used alongside therapy)
Rx-provided CGRP medication companion apps for tracking response and reminders
These digital tools help patients identify patterns, track triggers, and monitor treatment effectiveness.
7. Supplements With Clinical Support
Certain supplements have enough scientific evidence to be recommended by headache specialists.
Common options:
Magnesium oxide
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
CoQ10
Feverfew (used with caution and under guidance)
These are not replacements for medical therapy but can be beneficial add-ons.
Final Overview: What You Can Actually Use
Currently available, evidence-based migraine treatments include:
- Neuromodulation devices: Cefaly, Nerivio, gammaCore, Relivion
- CGRP inhibitors: Aimovig, Ajovy, Emgality, Vyepti, Ubrelvy, Nurtec ODT, Qulipta
- Botox for chronic migraine
- Traditional medications: Triptans, NSAIDs, anticonvulsants, beta blockers, antidepressants
- Behavioral therapies: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), biofeedback, mindfulness
- Clinically validated migraine apps
- Evidence-based supplements
These options encompass the range of proven, on-market therapies available to those seeking effective migraine relief.