If analgesics and triptans are ineffective or contraindicated, which newer abortive therapies may be used?

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Multiple Choice

If analgesics and triptans are ineffective or contraindicated, which newer abortive therapies may be used?

When standard analgesics and triptans can’t be used or don’t work, newer abortive options target pathways that relieve migraine without causing vasoconstriction. Lasmiditan is a selective 5-HT1F receptor agonist that dampens trigeminal nerve signaling to stop the attack, and it does not constrict blood vessels. CGRP antagonists (gepants) block the CGRP receptor, reducing the migraine-related inflammation and pain during an acute attack. Both types provide effective acute relief and are safer for patients with cardiovascular risk or triptan contraindications because they don’t involve vasoconstriction, which is the main limitation of triptans. Older choices like aspirin are traditional analgesics, not the newer class highlighted here. Anti-nausea medications such as prochlorperazine or metoclopramide can help with associated symptoms but are not the primary newer abortive therapies. Beta blockers are used for prevention, not for aborting an acute attack.

When standard analgesics and triptans can’t be used or don’t work, newer abortive options target pathways that relieve migraine without causing vasoconstriction. Lasmiditan is a selective 5-HT1F receptor agonist that dampens trigeminal nerve signaling to stop the attack, and it does not constrict blood vessels. CGRP antagonists (gepants) block the CGRP receptor, reducing the migraine-related inflammation and pain during an acute attack. Both types provide effective acute relief and are safer for patients with cardiovascular risk or triptan contraindications because they don’t involve vasoconstriction, which is the main limitation of triptans.

Older choices like aspirin are traditional analgesics, not the newer class highlighted here. Anti-nausea medications such as prochlorperazine or metoclopramide can help with associated symptoms but are not the primary newer abortive therapies. Beta blockers are used for prevention, not for aborting an acute attack.

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