Migraine care has come a long way in recent years — and that’s good news for the millions who live with these often-debilitating headaches.
If you’ve struggled with migraines or if your treatment hasn’t been working well, it may be time to revisit your options.
The latest medications can be more targeted, better tolerated and may help patients get back to their lives.
Old vs. new: What’s changed?
Until recently, many treatments for migraines were originally developed for other conditions. Preventive therapies included antidepressants like amitriptyline, anti-seizure medications like topiramate and beta blockers such as propranolol. While helpful for some, these medications often came with significant side effects, leading patients to stop taking them or avoid them altogether.
Acute treatments (taken during a migraine) had a similar problem. Side effects were common, and many patients turned to frequent use of over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, which can worsen symptoms.
Newer medications have changed that equation. These therapies are designed specifically to target migraine pathways. They have a cleaner side effect profile and are better tolerated, and as a result, patients are more likely to stick with their treatment plans.
Why early treatment matters
Migraines aren’t just about pain. Left unmanaged, they can affect nearly every part of your life — from sleep to stress to the ability to be active or present with loved ones.
We now understand that when migraines go untreated, it makes headaches more persistent and harder to treat.
That’s why it’s so important to intervene early. Preventing migraines from becoming chronic can make a major difference in quality of life. And even if you already experience chronic migraines, there are still tools that can help you find relief.
Bottom line: Migraine care has advanced. If your current plan isn’t working, consider reaching out to the Baylor Scott & White Headache Care program to talk to a doctor about what’s new.
Editor’s note: Dr. A. Jimmy Widmer is a participating internal medicine physician with the Baylor Scott & White Virtual Headache Care program
