There is no single “best” treatment for migraine — what works depends on your specific type, frequency, severity, medical history, and personal preferences.
Most patients benefit from a combination approach — preventive medication plus acute medication plus lifestyle modifications. When that combination is not enough, procedures like TEMMA® may be appropriate.
Taken at the onset of a migraine attack to stop or reduce its severity. Used no more than 2 days per week to avoid medication-overuse headache.
Sumatriptan, rizatriptan, and others. Target serotonin receptors and reduce inflammation of the dura — the membrane surrounding the brain.
Ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac. Anti-inflammatory pain relief.
An older medication that narrows blood vessels and reduces migraine pain.
Newer class (ubrogepant, rimegepant for acute attacks; rimegepant and atogepant also used preventively). Block CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide) — a molecule involved in migraine attacks. Useful when triptans are not appropriate.
Taken daily (or monthly, for some injectables) to reduce migraine frequency and severity over time.
Erenumab, fremanezumab, galcanezumab, eptinezumab. Monthly or quarterly injections that block the same CGRP molecule. Modern, well-tolerated. About half of patients achieve a 50% reduction in headache days.
Propranolol, metoprolol. Originally developed for blood pressure, but effective for migraine prevention.
Amitriptyline, venlafaxine. Used at low doses for migraine prevention.
Topiramate, valproate. Effective for some patients but with more side effects.
FDA-approved for chronic migraine. 155 units across 31 injection sites, every 12 weeks.
Non-drug options that use electrical or magnetic stimulation to interrupt migraine activity.
External stimulator for the trigeminal nerve — the main sensory nerve of the face. Worn on the forehead for 20 minutes daily.
Single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation. Held to the back of the head.
Wearable remote electrical neuromodulation device. Controlled by smartphone.
Often underused but important components of a comprehensive migraine plan.
Common triggers include sleep changes, certain foods, stress, hormonal changes, weather shifts, and sensory stimuli.
Consistent sleep–wake times are one of the most powerful migraine modulators.
Moderate aerobic exercise has been shown to reduce migraine frequency in many patients.
Cognitive behavioral therapy, biofeedback, and mindfulness have strong evidence in migraine.
Identifying food triggers (often under-emphasized). Hydration, regular meals, and limiting alcohol are common starting points.
For patients who have not found adequate relief with other options, several procedures are available.
A new application of middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization for severe migraine. The artery supplies the dura — the membrane surrounding the brain. The procedure takes 40 minutes, with same-day discharge. Drug-free, intended to be long-lasting.
FDA-approved for chronic migraine. 155 units across 31 injection sites, every 12 weeks.
Local anesthetic injections near specific nerves. Used for both treatment and prevention.
An implanted device that stimulates a facial nerve cluster (a bundle of nerves deep in the face) involved in migraine. Used in the hardest-to-treat cases.
The main migraine types and how doctors tell them apart.
Read guideHow to find the triggers that actually affect you.
Read guideEvery option used today, from pills to procedures.
Read guideRed-flag symptoms and when to escalate care.
Read guideHormones, periods, pregnancy, and menopause.
Read guideHabits that make attacks less likely.
Read guideThe artery and membrane behind migraine pain.
Read guidePlain definitions for the terms on this site.
Read guide