Simple Aspirin as Good as Newer drugs for aborting or preventing acute migraine attack

Simple Aspirin as Good as Newer drugs for aborting or preventing acute migraine attack

Dr KK Aggarwal

President CMAAO and HCFI

Old aged aspirin is as effective for acute treatment and prevention of recurrent migraine attacks as more expensive medications.

A review of randomized trials suggests that high-dose aspirin is effective and safe for acute migraine and that low-dose aspirin may help prevent migraine attacks. The study was published online October 12 in the American Journal of Medicine.

Migraine affects an estimated 14% of the general population and is more prevalent in women (18%) than men (9%). About 90% of migraine patients report moderate to severe pain associated with their attacks. More than 50% report severe impairment, which often results in reduced work and school productivity.

The study assessed randomized trials and meta-analyses in which participants received 900 mg to 1200 mg of aspirin for acute migraine or 81 mg to 325 mg daily for prevention of recurrence.

High-dose aspirin was more effective than placebo in multiple trials that examined relief of acute migraine attacks. Efficacy was comparable to other medications, including 400-mg ibuprofen or 50-mg sumatriptan.

However,   100-mg sumatriptan, the researchers note that sumatriptan provides faster relief.

Overall, 81 mg to 325 milligrams aspirin daily "may be an effective and safe treatment option for the prevention of recurrent migraine headaches.