Preventive treatment of headaches.
OBJECTIVE
To review recent advances in preventive headache treatment.


RESULTS
Migraine may be a progressive disorder. Aggressive treatment may stop progression. Propranolol, the beta-blocker, and the anticonvulsant topiramate are effective for migraine prevention. Feverfew, montelukast and acupuncture have not proven effective.


CONCLUSIONS
New drugs and other treatment strategies expand the spectrum of preventive migraine treatments.
Silberstein
Stephen D
SD
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA. Stephen.Silberstein@jefferson.edu
D015670:Acupuncture Therapy / Q000379:methods; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018450:Disease Progression; D005632:Fructose / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011433:Propranolol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000077236:Topiramate
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D000077236:Topiramate; D005632:Fructose; D011433:Propranolol