There are approximately 38 million Americans living with mild to severe migraines on a daily and weekly basis. Migraines are defined as reoccurring throbbing, painful headaches that typically affect one side of the head more than the other. Usually migraines are accompanied by nausea and “disturbed” vision.
While the causes of migraines are still being looked at by researchers, scientists have identified a new potential reason behind the debilitating pain. This new discovery is surrounded by a neurotransmitter called calcitonin-gene-related peptide, also known as CGRP.
Researchers recently found that high CGRP levels are found in sufferers during migraine attacks. This new discovery is very beneficial for both researchers and migraine sufferers as this brings researchers one step closer to finding a cure for migraines.
In fact, researchers recently developed something called “monoclonal antibodies” which is a type of therapy that targets and reduces the effects of CGRP or its receptors. There are currently five different anti-CGRP treatments being developed. Four of them have been submitted to the FDA and the fifth is in phase III of clinical trials! This hopefully means we are on the verge to a cure!
Resources: https://migraine.com/clinical/five-essentials-cgrp/
