Which of the following is a preventive treatment for migraines?

Which of the following is a preventive treatment for migraines?

• A. PROPRANOLOL
• B. ACETAMINOPHEN
• C. SUMATRIPTAN
• D. IBUPROFEN

Answer: (A)

Preventive treatment for migraines focuses on lowering how often attacks occur and how severe they are, by taking medication on a regular basis even when you don’t have a headache. Propranolol fits this role well because it’s a beta-blocker with solid evidence supporting reduced migraine frequency in many patients. Its effect likely comes from stabilizing vascular and neural activity involved in migraines, leading to fewer attack days over time. However, it can cause fatigue, slowed heart rate, and, in people with asthma or COPD, may worsen breathing, so patient factors matter when choosing it. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are used for relief during an actual migraine attack (abortive therapy) rather than to prevent future attacks. Sumatriptan is a medication aimed at aborting an attack by constricting cranial blood vessels; it’s not used regularly to prevent migraines.

Preventive treatment for migraines focuses on lowering how often attacks occur and how severe they are, by taking medication on a regular basis even when you don’t have a headache. Propranolol fits this role well because it’s a beta-blocker with solid evidence supporting reduced migraine frequency in many patients. Its effect likely comes from stabilizing vascular and neural activity involved in migraines, leading to fewer attack days over time. However, it can cause fatigue, slowed heart rate, and, in people with asthma or COPD, may worsen breathing, so patient factors matter when choosing it.

Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are used for relief during an actual migraine attack (abortive therapy) rather than to prevent future attacks. Sumatriptan is a medication aimed at aborting an attack by constricting cranial blood vessels; it’s not used regularly to prevent migraines.