A woman in her 30s suffers from severe headaches that feel like her head is going to split open. Her vision blurs and she struggles to keep her eyes open due to extreme light sensitivity. Her heightened sense of smell also causes frequent nausea and, in severe cases, vomiting.
On days when her headaches are terrible, she often leaves work early or calls in sick, which makes her feel self-conscious. Despite trying pain relievers and massages, she found no relief. After consulting various healthcare providers, including traditional medicine practitioners, internists, and family medicine doctors, she was recently diagnosed with migraines by a neurologist.
According to recent medical sources, migraines affect about 1 billion people globally, with approximately 6% of adults in South Korea experiencing them. While migraines are commonly thought to affect only one side of the head, they can also occur on both sides.
Severe headaches and symptoms such as light, sound, and smell sensitivity characterize migraines. The exact cause remains unclear, but it is believed to result from genetics, stress, sleep patterns, and lifestyle habits. Careful attention to these factors is crucial.
Migraine prevalence varies by gender and age. It is three times more common in women than men and is the leading cause of disability for individuals under 50. This condition significantly impacts daily life and socioeconomic activities, especially for people aged 25 to 55, who are often in their prime social and economic years.
A survey by the European Migraine and Headache Alliance (EMHA) found that 94.4% of migraine sufferers reported that their migraines make it difficult to perform their regular work duties. 79% of those with migraines said that their condition has negatively affected their work and career.
Park Jeong Wook from the Department of Neurology at the Catholic University of Korea’s Uijeongbu St. Mary’s Hospital explained, “While many people might dismiss migraines as just a common symptom, they are a serious condition that affects not only the pain itself but also significantly impacts daily functioning.”
Although migraines cannot be completely cured, they can be effectively managed. Treatment options fall into two categories: acute and preventive. Acute treatment aims to quickly alleviate pain once it starts, while preventive treatment focuses on reducing the intensity, frequency, duration, and overall impact of migraines before they occur.
Common pain relievers used during a headache are classified as acute treatments. Suppose an individual takes simple pain relievers for more than 15 days a month or combination pain relievers for more than ten days a month due to frequent headaches. In that case, they risk developing “medication overuse headaches,” making preventive treatment advisable.
Preventive treatment includes CGRP-targeted therapies designed to target calcitonin gene-related peptides (CGRP). CGRP plays a significant role in migraines by causing the dilation of blood vessels in the brain and triggering neuroinflammation.
CGRP-targeted therapies are designed for treating migraines and have shown good tolerability, meaning patients generally manage side effects well. These therapies are significantly more effective compared to placebo, especially for those experiencing medication overuse headaches, making them a valuable option for controlling this condition.
Previously, CGRP-targeted treatments were only available as injectable medications administered every 1 to 3 months. A new oral option, Aqipta (ingredient name: atogepant), is taken once daily. This addition offers patients more choices for managing their migraines.
Oral CGRP treatments have faster therapeutic effects and a shorter half-life than injections. This flexibility allows for more tailored treatment plans, particularly beneficial for patients with diverse needs, including women planning pregnancy and those with varying lifestyle factors.
Park emphasized, “Migraines have a profound impact on patients’ lives, so it’s essential to prevent the condition and avoid triggers.” He added, “If migraines are disrupting your daily life, seeking an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment from a neurology specialist is crucial.”
He also noted, “Recent advancements in CGRP-targeted treatments have expanded the range of options available to patients. The right treatment should be chosen based on the severity of symptoms, patient preferences, and individual lifestyle factors.”