Migraine treatment: New hope with CGRP antibodies in Baierbrunn!

Migraine treatment: New hope with CGRP antibodies in Baierbrunn!

In 2025, migraines will continue to be discussed as a serious health problem in Germany and beyond. Almost 20% of women and around 8% of men in Germany struggle with this painful disease, although the number of unreported cases is significantly higher in men. Prof. Dr. Arne May, head of the headache clinic at Eppendorf University Hospital, emphasizes: “Migraines cannot be cured, but they can be easily treated.” This shows that the need for effective solutions and information around migraines is always top priority. regionalupdate.de reports on the different forms of this disease, especially when talking about chronic migraine, which includes severe headaches on at least 15 days per month.

Treatment options are diverse and include both acute and prophylactic approaches. Acute treatment options include medications such as triptans, ditans, and anti-inflammatory painkillers. Botox and beta blockers are used for prophylactic treatment. Particularly noteworthy are the newer active ingredients, such as the so-called CGRP antibodies, which specifically block the CGRP messenger.

Innovations in migraine prevention

A notable novelty in migraine treatment is erenumab (Aimovig®), a monoclonal antibody that inhibits the CGRP receptor. Erenumab treatment is provided through monthly self-injections and was approved by the FDA in 2018 for prophylactic treatment in adults. Studies show that erenumab can significantly reduce the number of migraine days. In the STRIVE study, for example, the 50% responder rate was 43.3% (-70 mg) and 50.0% (140 mg), while for placebo it was only 26.6%. [ pain clinic.de ](https:// pain clinic.de/service-fuer-patienten/migraene-wissen/vorbiegung/cgrp-monoklonale-antikoerper-immuntherapie-der-migraene/) emphasizes that other CGRP antibodies such as fremanezumab and galcanezumab are also available, the effectiveness of which has proven to be comparable.

The cost of erenumab is around 495 euros per month, which may affect its economic accessibility. The statutory health insurance companies review the prescription depending on the effectiveness or possible intolerance of other migraine prophylactics. Therapy should be reassessed after three months to ensure effectiveness. The most common side effects include injection site reactions and mild to moderate muscle spasms, but this makes the treatment option attractive to many sufferers.

Accompanying measures for relief

In addition to medication, there are numerous supportive measures that can be helpful. Endurance sports have positive effects on migraine prevention. Studies show that muscle relaxation techniques and improving physical condition can alleviate symptoms. Magnesium is also recommended as a supporting active ingredient, with a dosage of 300 mg magnesium citrate twice daily being considered optimal. Relaxation techniques such as biofeedback can also help reduce migraine attacks and improve quality of life.

Individual coordination of the treatment plan with specialists is crucial in order to find the best approach for each patient. The Eppendorf University Hospital website offers comprehensive information on headache therapy and can be a valuable resource for those affected. Regional health portals and information from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) complement the available information sources that help promote awareness and understanding of migraines.