- Lyrica relieves a seizure-like phenomenon believed to be the cause of migraines
- It works by stopping a wave of brain cells, preventing symptoms, scientists say
- And it was found to boost calcium levels, with low amounts causing headaches
A drug used to treat epilepsy could end the migraine misery for millions of sufferers, scientists claim.
Known as Lyrica, it relieves a seizure-like phenomenon believed to be the underlying cause of the blinding headaches.
It works by stopping a wave of brain cells, preventing the debilitating symptoms of migraines, a study found.
And in research on genetically-engineered mice, the drug was shown to boost calcium levels, with a diminished supply known to spark headaches.
Known as Lyrica, it relieves a seizure-like phenomenon believed to be the underlying cause of the blinding headaches
Migraines are believed to affect around one in seven of the population, with three quarters of sufferers being women.
Symptoms include dizziness, nausea and crippling pain, but they can last up to three days.
Although painkillers and other drugs can ease the symptoms, they don’t work for everyone. And as of yet, none have been found that can actually prevent the attacks.
Severe headaches can be preceded by an aura – or visual disturbances such as flashing lights, shimmering lines and blind spots.
And Dr Stuart Cain, from British Columbia University, Canada, believes a wave of brain cells called SD is the likely cause.
Using live brain imaging on mice, he found that the drug slowed the spread of neurons from the cortex.
Preventing them from reaching the striatum and hippocampus regions of the brain relieved their symptoms.
The findings, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, represent a potential treatment for migraines.
It works by stopping a wave of brain cells, preventing the debilitating symptoms of migraines, a study found
The aura usually disappears after 20 to 30 minutes and is followed by a piercing, often one- sided headache and a sensitivity to light.
Attacks can last for more than a day and sufferers generally feel the after-effects for up to two days.
Dr Cain said: ‘The anti-epileptic pregabalin (Lyrica) shows clinical promise for migraine therapy, although its efficacy and mechanism of action are unclear.
‘The study describes a method for tracking the progression of SD and provides support and a mechanism of action for pregabalin as a possible effective therapy in the treatment of migraine.
‘Migraine is a common debilitating episodic brain disorder that presents as severe headaches accompanied by other symptoms including nausea and vomiting.
‘In approximately one third of patients the headache phase is preceded by an aura – thought to be caused by SD.’
Lyrica has also been approved by the NHS and US Food and Drug Administration in the treatment of other disorders – including general anxiety.