Abstract

Migraine is a chronic recurrent headache disorder that is common in general population. Its burden of socioeconomical aspect as well as personal psychologic aspect makes migraine as one of the most disabling disorders. In addition to acute treatment of migraine, preventive treatment is required in those with frequent or disabling attacks of migraine to minimize the disability, to prevent medication overuse, and to improve the quality of life. In this review, we discuss the principles of migraine prevention, and clinical applications of medications for this purpose which include beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, antidepressants and anticonvulsants as well as newly emerging drugs such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, angiotensin-receptor blocker, coenzyme Q10, riboflavin and magnesium. Nonpharmacologic management for migraine prevention is an another important treatment strategy. Considering underdiagnosis and undertreatment of migraine, the knowledge about applying appropriate preventive management is essential for any physician irrespective of specialty.