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GLP-1 Agonist Shows Promise in Reducing Migraine Frequency
Table of Contents
- GLP-1 Agonist Shows Promise in Reducing Migraine Frequency
- Liraglutide Reduces Migraine Days
- The Role of Intracranial Pressure
- Study Findings
- Side Effects and Future Research
- Potential for Drug Repurposing
- Implications for Migraine Treatment
- Evergreen Insights: Understanding Migraine and GLP-1 Agonists
- Frequently Asked Questions About GLP-1 Agonists and Migraine
A diabetes drug that lowers brain fluid pressure has slashed monthly migraine days by more than half, according to research presented at the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) Congress 2025. The study highlights a potential new avenue for migraine treatment using GLP-1 agonists.
Liraglutide Reduces Migraine Days
Researchers at the Headache Center of the University of Naples “Federico II” administered the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist liraglutide to 26 adults with obesity and chronic migraine (defined as ≥15 headache days per month). The results, presented at the EAN Congress 2025, showed a significant reduction in migraine frequency.
Patients reported an average of 11 fewer headache days per month, and their scores on the Migraine Disability Assessment Test (MIDAS) dropped by 35 points. This indicates a clinically meaningful advancement in their ability to function at work, in their studies, and in social settings.
Did You Know? The global prevalence of migraine is estimated to be around 14%, affecting approximately one in seven adults worldwide [[WHO Fact Sheet]].
The Role of Intracranial Pressure
The study suggests that the benefit of liraglutide in reducing migraine frequency is linked to its ability to modulate cerebrospinal fluid pressure. Participants were screened to exclude papilledema (optic disc swelling) and sixth nerve palsy, ruling out idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) as a primary factor.
Dr. simone Braca,the lead researcher,explained,”we think that,by modulating cerebrospinal fluid pressure and reducing intracranial venous sinuses compression,these drugs produce a decrease in the release of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP),a key migraine-promoting peptide. That would pose intracranial pressure control as a brand-new,pharmacologically targetable pathway.”
Study Findings
While participants experienced a slight decrease in body-mass index (BMI) from 34.01 to 33.65, this change was not statistically significant. An analysis confirmed that BMI reduction did not affect headache frequency, reinforcing the idea that pressure modulation, rather than weight loss, drives the benefit.
Pro Tip: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, can help manage migraine symptoms and reduce the frequency of attacks [[Mayo Clinic – Migraine Treatment]].
Side Effects and Future Research
Mild gastrointestinal side effects, mainly nausea and constipation, occurred in 38% of participants but did not lead to treatment discontinuation.The research team is now planning a randomized, double-blind trial with direct or indirect intracranial pressure measurement to further investigate these findings.
Professor Roberto De Simone, who leads the research team in Naples, stated, “We also want to determine whether other GLP-1 drugs can deliver the same relief, possibly with even fewer gastrointestinal side effects.”
Potential for Drug Repurposing
If confirmed, GLP-1-receptor agonists could offer a new treatment option for the estimated one in seven people worldwide who live with migraine, particularly those who do not respond to current preventives [[1]]. Given liraglutide’s established use in type 2 diabetes and obesity, it may represent a promising case of drug repurposing in neurology.
The following table summarizes the key findings of the study:
| Metric | Result |
|---|---|
| Average reduction in headache days per month | 11 days |
| Reduction in MIDAS score | 35 points |
| Percentage of participants with gastrointestinal side effects | 38% |
Implications for Migraine Treatment
The study suggests that GLP-1 agonists, typically used for diabetes and weight management, may offer a novel approach to migraine prevention by targeting intracranial pressure. This could be particularly beneficial for individuals who have not found relief with existing migraine treatments.
What are your thoughts on repurposing existing drugs for new treatments? How do you manage your migraine symptoms?
Evergreen Insights: Understanding Migraine and GLP-1 Agonists
migraine is a complex neurological disorder characterized by recurrent headaches, often accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.While the exact cause of migraine is not fully understood, it is indeed believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
GLP-1 agonists are a class of drugs that mimic the effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. These drugs are commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes and, in certain specific cases, for weight management. Liraglutide is one example of a GLP-1 receptor agonist.
The potential link between GLP-1 agonists and migraine lies in their ability to influence intracranial pressure and reduce the release of CGRP, a peptide known to play a role in migraine development. further research is needed to fully understand this connection and determine the long-term efficacy and safety of GLP-1 agonists for migraine prevention.
Frequently Asked Questions About GLP-1 Agonists and Migraine
- What are GLP-1 receptor agonists?
GLP-1 receptor agonists are a class of drugs that mimic the effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1),a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. These drugs are commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes and, in some cases, for weight management. Semaglutide is one example of a GLP-1 receptor agonist [[3]].
- How might GLP-1 agonists help with migraine?
Research suggests that GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as liraglutide, may reduce migraine frequency by modulating cerebrospinal fluid pressure and reducing intracranial venous sinuses compression. This could lead to a decrease in the release of CGRP, a peptide known to promote migraines.
- What is Liraglutide?
Liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes. A recent study presented at the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) Congress 2025 indicates it may also significantly reduce migraine frequency in individuals with obesity and chronic migraine.
- What are the side effects of liraglutide?
The most common side effects of liraglutide are mild gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea and constipation. in the study presented at the EAN Congress 2025, these side effects were reported by 38% of participants but did not lead to treatment discontinuation.
- Are GLP-1 agonists approved for migraine treatment?
Currently,GLP-1 agonists are not specifically indicated for migraine treatment [[3]].However, research is ongoing to explore their potential benefits for migraine sufferers, particularly those who do not respond well to existing treatments [[1]].
- What is idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH)?
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a condition characterized by increased pressure around the brain. GLP-1 agonists have shown promise in treating IIH by reducing cerebrospinal fluid secretion
