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.
