Acute and prophylactic management of migraine

Although considerable advances have been made in the understanding and treatment of migraine, uncertainty about the management of this disorder remains. Once a diagnosis is established, an effective treatment plan should be developed that includes education for the patient about migraine and reassurance that the headaches are not caused by structural pathology, stress, or psychopathology. Rapidly effective acute treatment, nonpharmacologic treatment such as behavioral and lifestyle changes, preventive measures, and patient follow-up are other essential elements of migraine management.