Migraine Vaccine: What It Is, Diagnosis, and Treatment Methods

Migraine pain is a pain that lasts for hours and is of unbearable intensity, significantly preventing the person from continuing their daily life.

Migraine pain is a pain that lasts for hours and is of unbearable intensity, significantly preventing the person from continuing their daily life. It is so severe that it cannot be relieved with any painkiller, and it can lead to a state of weakness, fatigue, and a negative mood. Although adopting a healthy lifestyle is important for the treatment of diseases like migraines, it does not guarantee 100% success in preventing migraine attacks. For this reason, migraine vaccines have been developed through research. The application of the migraine vaccine is a great relief for those suffering from migraine pain, and when applied at the right time and dosage, it can largely prevent migraines.

In individuals suffering from migraines, different symptoms may accompany the headache. Migraine is a condition that typically begins in adolescence, and the likelihood of it occurring in later years is very low. The headache may occur in attacks, sometimes severe enough to leave the person bedridden. The migraine pain is often concentrated at the forehead, the back of the head, and behind the ears. Symptoms such as excessive thirst and increased appetite may also occur alongside the headaches. Gastrointestinal issues such as constipation, diarrhea, and indigestion may be seen in migraine sufferers. Mental disturbances, including feeling constantly tired, concentration problems, and lack of focus, may also occur. Although an anti-inflammatory diet may reduce the number of migraine attacks, it is not a complete solution to prevent new attacks. Therefore, the migraine vaccine is a frequently used, specialized treatment method developed for individuals suffering from migraines.

What is the Migraine Vaccine?

Individuals who have suffered from migraine pain for years without finding a solution often wonder what a migraine vaccine is and, after learning about its benefits, improve their quality of life by applying it. Migraine-related pain occurs as a result of the CGRP molecule appearing among neurotransmitters. CGRP can appear not only in the brain but also in other parts of the body.

The mechanism of action of the migraine vaccine works in two different ways. First, it binds to the CGRP molecule, rendering it inactive. Second, molecules that bind to the points where CGRP would normally attach within cells inhibit CGRP, preventing pain from occurring.

In addition to inhibiting the receptors of CGRP, there is another formula of the migraine vaccine that has been developed. In this formula, the active ingredient "galcanezumab" directly binds to CGRP, rendering it ineffective. The starting point of both formulas is to neutralize CGRP, which triggers a migraine attack.

The principle of applying the migraine vaccine is to neutralize the CGRP molecule and eliminate the pain. CGRP antibodies render CGRP inactive with the migraine injection, and by applying the vaccine in specific doses, the goal is to say goodbye to pain permanently. The migraine vaccine (injection) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2018 for use as a preventive treatment for migraines.

Like many vaccines, the migraine vaccine is transported via a cold chain. Patients can obtain the migraine vaccine from a healthcare facility under the supervision of a doctor and can also administer it themselves. However, if the person has an underlying chronic condition or allergy, it is much more appropriate to have the vaccine administered under medical supervision in a hospital. The migraine vaccine should be applied for three months starting from the loading dose administered in the first month. Treatment should not be interrupted. The vaccine doses, administered every four weeks, should continue for three months. If the patient’s pain does not sufficiently decrease and the doctor deems it appropriate, the migraine vaccine treatment can continue for an additional three months under supervision.

Although the migraine injection is referred to as a vaccine, a single dose is not sufficient. Therefore, a migraine vaccine treatment that is regularly applied for at least 3 months has a high chance of yielding positive results.

Which Types of Migraines Does the Migraine Vaccine Apply To?

There are certain criteria for the application of the migraine vaccine. Neurological examination is required for the diagnosis and treatment of these criteria. The vaccine protocol applied under specialist supervision yields positive results. For the migraine vaccine to be applied, the patient must experience four migraine attacks within one month. Additionally, the patient must be an adult over the age of eighteen. Some patients may not be able to receive the migraine vaccine due to allergic reactions or other reasons. Similarly, the migraine vaccine is not applied to pregnant women or nursing mothers.

Migraines are generally divided into two types: with aura and without aura. Migraine without aura is the most commonly seen type. Although both types of migraines are similar in severity, the symptoms they produce in the person are different. In addition, chronic migraine can be considered as a third type. The migraine vaccine can be applied to all types of chronic, aura, and non-aura migraines. Regardless of the type of migraine, a neurological examination should be performed before using the migraine vaccine.

What are the Advantages of the Migraine Vaccine?

The migraine vaccine is a preventive and pain-relieving treatment method. Other medications and painkillers used for migraines can only provide temporary relief. Since it is not possible to predict when the pain will begin, individuals may not always take the painkiller at the right time and may have to struggle with the pain.

Additionally, painkillers and other medications can cause side effects such as fatigue and drowsiness in individuals. Unlike these, the migraine vaccine does not have such effects and can provide long-term treatment comfort instead of short-term relief. As migraine attacks do not occur, the quality of life improves. Other medications used for migraines have been developed for other treatments but are also used to relieve migraines. However, they do not have a special formula to cure migraines. Constant usage can also feel tedious and overwhelming. On the other hand, the migraine vaccine is administered once every 4 weeks, with no intense treatment or usage requirements. This makes the treatment and adherence process easier. The migraine vaccine offers a permanent solution and is highly advantageous due to its quick and simple application method. It has made it possible to treat migraines without requiring surgical intervention or anesthesia.

What Are the Side Effects of the Migraine Vaccine?

As with any treatment, it has been determined that the migraine vaccine may cause side effects in some individuals. Therefore, neurological control, doctor administration, and follow-up by a neurologist are extremely important. The possible side effects of the migraine vaccine are as follows:

• Allergic reaction: It may cause allergic reactions in individuals with autoimmune disorders or sensitivities.
• Constipation: Individuals who receive the migraine injection may experience digestive system-related issues such as constipation.
• Pain: Pain may occur at the site of the injection. However, this is a temporary condition. If symptoms such as fever and pain become intense and unbearable, you should contact your neurologist.

The migraine vaccine is currently the only prophylactic medication specifically produced for migraines. Since the active ingredient of the vaccine is specifically developed for CGRP, it has a low side effect rate and a high positive effect. Under the supervision of a specialist neurologist, you can start the vaccine treatment at the appropriate time and in the appropriate manner. You can administer the vaccine at home or have it done by your doctor. Whether the migraine vaccine is suitable for you will be determined by your doctor based on the progression of the disease, the number of attacks, and their severity. If you are experiencing complaints due to migraine pain and cannot continue with your daily life, you can consult your doctor about the migraine injection. You can be free from complaints such as pain, fatigue, weakness, and lack of concentration with the migraine vaccine. Don’t forget to consult your doctor for a proper and personalized approach.