At this point, the migraine sufferer who has tried just about everything has become a cliche. That’s because for those with chronic headaches, finding proper treatment can be incredibly difficult. Despite all the research that has already been done, we don’t yet know what causes migraines or how to efficiently stop them. Although there are many drugs on the market, many are only effective for a small portion of the population, leaving others stranded without treatment. Migraines can last for an hour to an entire day, causing nausea, sensitivity to light, and extreme pain. These are symptoms many would like treatment for. Lucky for them, a new drug on the market just might provide what they’ve been hoping for.
The Latest Migraine Treatment
Erenumab (sold as Aimovig), a monthly injection that won FDA approval in 2018, appears to “work well even when others have failed,” researchers have said. According to recent findings presented at a medical conference, it could provide help to nearly a third of those who suffer from intractable migraines. In a drug trial, Erenumab reduced the average number of monthly migraines by nearly 50 percent for a third of participants with “hard-to-treat” migraines. Manufacturers have said that the drugs works differently from other preventative treatments, which are often designed to treatment other conditions like blood pressure and epilepsy, but are repurposed for migraines. The drug is designed to block a receptor which may be responsible for transmitting pain signals associated with migraines.
Will the Treatment Work For Me?
Treatments like Erenumab, and other new monoclonal antibody treatments, could end up changing the landscape of migraine treatment forever, providing much needed relief to millions of patients around the world. Unfortunately, however, treatments like this are new and long-term side-effects have yet to be established.
For people who are looking for effective, drug-free alternatives, however, there are options for treating migraines.
Your Dentist Can Help
Temporomandibular joint disorder or TMJ affects the joints that connect your jaw to your skull, which are located on both sides of your head. The most common side-effects include jaw pain, popping noises while eating, and, of course, headaches. While a direct link between migraines and TMJ has not been established, many people experience migraine relief from TMJ treatment. In fact, some studies have shown that TMJ could potentially serve as a trigger to release CGRP, the same protein that Erenumab blocks.
If you’ve been experiencing any of these symptoms coupled with migraines, it’s time to seek help.
TMJ can be complicated to understand, and this page contains some technical information that may be easier to understand in person. Dr. Adam Hahn is an expert at explaining it in plain, straightforward language. To talk to them about TMJ, please call (803) 781-9090 or contact Smile Columbia Dentistry in Columbia, SC today for an appointment.
