Managing Migraines: Options For Acute Abortive Treatment

Introduction: Triptans, ergotamine derivatives and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are front-line agents used in the acute abortive therapy of migraines. In this article, these medications are reviewed and a treatment algorithm suggested.Methods: A comprehensive review of the literature from 1990 to 2008 was conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE and The Cochrane Library to explore the underlying pathophysiology of migraines and comparatively assess the acute and chronic treatment options available in their management. The information obtained from all literature searches was further categorized as level 1, 2 or 3 based on pre-defined peer-reviewed criteria.Conclusion: This review is able to present a relatively preliminary but practical migraine treatment algorithm. Although there is no standard universal treatment strategy to manage migraine headaches in all patients, this review has been put forth to serve as a clinical guideline to assist health professionals in deciding the most appropriate treatment for migraine headaches.