Which description best captures first-line prophylaxis for migraines?

Which description best captures first-line prophylaxis for migraines?

• A. First-line: anticonvulsants and beta-blockers
• B. Only NSAIDs
• C. Calcium supplements
• D. Expectant management

Answer: (A)

Preventive treatment for migraines is about reducing how often attacks occur. The standard first-line preventive drugs are anticonvulsants and beta-blockers. They have proven effectiveness in lowering migraine frequency and often the severity of episodes. NSAIDs are used to treat an attack when it begins, not to prevent future ones. Calcium supplements haven’t shown strong, consistent preventive benefit, and simply waiting without preventive therapy (expectant management) misses an opportunity to reduce recurring headaches in patients with frequent migraines. So anticonvulsants and beta-blockers best describe first-line prophylaxis.

Preventive treatment for migraines is about reducing how often attacks occur. The standard first-line preventive drugs are anticonvulsants and beta-blockers. They have proven effectiveness in lowering migraine frequency and often the severity of episodes. NSAIDs are used to treat an attack when it begins, not to prevent future ones. Calcium supplements haven’t shown strong, consistent preventive benefit, and simply waiting without preventive therapy (expectant management) misses an opportunity to reduce recurring headaches in patients with frequent migraines. So anticonvulsants and beta-blockers best describe first-line prophylaxis.