Weight-loss drug reduced migraine frequency in small study
GLP-1s, commonly used for diabetes and weight management, may have a new benefit: helping with migraines. A recent study presented at the European Academy of Neurology Congress in Helsinki, Finland, showed that a GLP-1 drug reduced the number of days spent with migraines by almost half in a month.
Migraines affect nearly 40 million Americans, causing severe headaches, nausea, and light sensitivity that can disrupt daily activities. Previous research has suggested that GLP-1s can reduce pressure inside the skull, which may be a contributing factor to migraines.
In the study led by neurologist Simone Braca from the University of Naples Federico II, participants received daily injections of liraglutide, an earlier version of GLP-1 RAs, for 12 weeks. The results showed a significant decrease in the number of migraine days, from about 20 days at the start of the study to 11 days after the treatment period.
Participants reported improvements in their quality of life within the first two weeks of treatment, with sustained relief throughout the three-month observation period. Interestingly, the reduction in migraines was not associated with weight loss, as participants maintained their weight during the trial.
Dr. Sue Decotiis, a weight loss specialist, noted that liraglutide is not as commonly used for weight loss or diabetes compared to newer GLP-1 drugs. However, it was effective in reducing migraines in the study participants.
While the study had limitations such as a small sample size and lack of a comparison group, the results are promising for future research. The researchers plan to conduct a larger, randomized trial with different GLP-1 drugs to further investigate their potential benefits for migraine sufferers.
Overall, the study highlights the potential of GLP-1 drugs in alleviating migraines and improving the quality of life for individuals dealing with this debilitating condition. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore the effectiveness of other GLP-1 medications in managing migraines.
