[Non-drug therapies in the treatment of migraine].

Researchers reviewed non-drug treatment options for people suffering from migraine headaches, both episodic and chronic types. They examined which therapies have scientific evidence supporting their use and which ones lack proof of effectiveness. The study found that several non-medication approaches can help reduce migraine frequency and severity. Among the most important recommendations are identifying and avoiding personal migraine triggers, making healthy lifestyle changes, and exercising regularly. Certain dietary modifications may also provide benefits. For preventing migraines, the research shows that acupuncture combined with standard preventive care significantly reduces how often headaches occur in people with episodic migraine. Psychological therapies also demonstrated effectiveness for migraine prevention and may help with chronic migraine and acute attacks. Nutritional supplements including riboflavin (vitamin B2), magnesium, and coenzyme Q10 have clinical evidence supporting their use in migraine prevention. Some non-invasive nerve stimulation devices showed promise for treating chronic migraine with good tolerability. However, the researchers noted that many patients try complementary or alternative therapies that haven't been clinically proven effective and therefore cannot be recommended. The findings suggest that people with migraine have several evidence-based non-drug options to discuss with their healthcare providers, with acupuncture being a particularly well-supported choice for reducing migraine frequency when added to conventional preventive treatment. If you're considering acupuncture for migraine prevention, seek a licensed acupuncturist with experience treating headache disorders.

This comprehensive review evaluated non-pharmacological interventions for episodic and chronic migraine treatment and prevention, distinguishing evidence-based therapies from those lacking clinical validation. Key recommendations for migraine prevention include trigger elimination, lifestyle modification, and regular exercise. Clinical evidence supports acupuncture as an adjunct to standard preventive treatment, demonstrating reduction in headache frequency for episodic migraine. Psychological therapies showed efficacy in migraine prevention and potential benefit for chronic migraine and acute management. Among nutritional supplements, riboflavin, magnesium, and coenzyme Q10 demonstrated clinical effectiveness in migraine prophylaxis. Non-invasive neuromodulation techniques showed favorable tolerability profiles for chronic migraine treatment and prevention, though invasive approaches remain limited due to equipment requirements and complication risks. The review notes many patients utilize unproven complementary/alternative methods that cannot be recommended based on current evidence. Clinical takeaway: acupuncture represents an evidence-based adjunctive therapy for episodic migraine prevention with documented reduction in headache frequency.