Medication can prevent frequent migraine attacks

May 15, 2006, 7:29 GMT

Neuss, Germany - Medication is available to prevent migraine headaches for people who suffer at least three attacks a month. The same medication is available for people who are plagued by headaches that last more than three days.

'Aside from a limited quality of life, people affected by the headaches also are in danger of developing chronic headache pain because they are constantly taking pain medications,' said Curt Beil of the professional association for German neurologists (BDN) in Neuss, Germany.

Affective prevention can put an end to the vicious cycle and clearly reduce the number, length and intensity of each attack. There are varying active ingredients available for a preventative drug therapy, according to the guidelines of the German Society for Neurology and the German Migraine and Headache Society. Taking them cannot cause a so-called, medicine-induced permanent headache, the experts say.

'To supplement the medications, there are endurance sports such as swimming and running, and behaviour therapy tailored to migraine care,' said Beil, who is based in Cologne.

Migraines are one of the most common neurological illnesses. They affect an estimated 12 to 14 per cent of women and 6 to 8 per cent of men in Germany. Migraines typically are worse and more frequent for people aged 35 to 45.