There are many migraine sufferers in the United States and worldwide. Migraines can range from short (minutes to an hour) to days. I know several people who could be bedridden for a few days in total darkness and silence before emerging from their agony.

According to one source, there are a number of types and causes of migraines, including chronic, acute, vestibular, optical, complex, menstrual, acephalgic, hormonal, stress, cluster and vascular. Proper diagnosis needs to be done by a qualified physician who understands the various types of migraines, and the treating or preventing of migraines.

Symptoms of migraines include depression, fatigue, frequent yawning and lack of energy, hyperactivity, irritability, neck stiffness and food cravings in addition to the intense pain. In some types of migraines, symptoms can also include difficulty speaking, prickly sensations in limbs and face, seeing flashes of light, seeing shapes and even a short-term lack of vision.

If the migraine intensifies, it can cause increased sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, throbbing head pain and pain on one side area of head – sides, front or back or focused at the temples.

One migraine sufferer I know has tried numerous medications and would do almost anything to find something that works and they will be glad to learn that the FDA just gave their approval to a drug called Emgality, made by Eli Lilly and Company.

Eric Pearlman, Medical Fellow at Eli Lilly commented:

“It is an innovative medicine designed specifically to prevent migraines.”

“CGRP is a chemical in our brain and throughout our body and it’s involved in transmission of pain and triggering migraine attacks.”

Emgality is administered by an injection given by a physician once a month at a cost about $575 per month. That sounds expensive and to many it is, but to many migraine sufferers who can afford it or have insurance that will cover it, it is well worth it.

Eli Lilly announced that during clinical trials, around 67% (2 out of 3) experienced a 50% reduction in their migraines and close to 15% (1 out of 7) reported a 100% reduction in their migraines.

Cindi McGarvey, Adult Neurologist with St. Vincent’s Hospital in Indianapolis, commented on the importance of the FDA approval of Emgality:

“I do think this is a game changer. I still have patients doing everything we’ve known up to this point to decrease the frequency and severity, and also great medicines to get rid of the headache once you have them, but (they) still end up in the emergency room because they’re having very severe headaches.”

“We have been able to see another medication in the same category of CGRP inhibitors have an amazing effect on patients. They start taking it and within the first month they seem to have a lot of benefit.”

With the FDA approval, Eli Lilly expects Emgality to be available within the next several weeks, much to the joy of many migraine sufferers.