Dr. Egilius Spierings urges dual approach to migraine care

Neurologist and headache specialist Dr. Egilius Spierings says migraine patients should focus on both treating attacks and preventing the next one. He argues that more options now exist, from acute medicines to preventive therapies, but people need expert guidance to find the right mix.

Why it matters: - Migraine care is shifting toward a two-part strategy: stop the current attack and lower the odds of the next one. - More treatment options can reduce pain, frequency and overall burden for people living with migraine. - Patients who do not know what type of headache they have may waste time on ineffective self-treatment.

What happened: - Dr. Egilius Spierings, a neurologist, pharmacologist and headache specialist, said migraine treatment should combine acute care and prevention. - He said the goal is not just to get through the next migraine, but to treat an attack and help prevent future ones. - The remarks were released in Los Angeles on August 17, 2026.

The details: - Acute treatments can help manage migraine when symptoms start. - Preventive therapies can reduce the frequency, severity or overall impact of future attacks. - Dr. Spierings pointed to CGRP-targeted therapies, including CGRP monoclonal antibodies and gepants, as part of the expanding treatment landscape. - Other acute and preventive medications are also available. - The right approach depends on the patient’s headache type, symptoms, medical history, attack frequency and response to prior treatments. - Dr. Spierings said patients may try over-the-counter medicines, prescription drugs or advice from people around them without fully understanding their diagnosis or options. - He said knowledge and research are essential for people who are suffering and unsure where to turn. - Dr. Spierings is the author of Headaches: Why You Have Them, What You Can Do About Them. - The book is presented as a starting point for understanding headache causes and possible relief strategies. - Dr. Spierings is Medical Director of the Greater Boston Headache Center. - He has also held academic positions at Harvard Medical School and Tufts University. - The release includes more information about Dr. Spierings and his work. - Dr. Egilius L.H. Spierings is available for interviews.

Between the lines: - The message reflects a broader shift in migraine care away from a one-size-fits-all approach. - Dr. Spierings is framing expert diagnosis as the key step before choosing among newer and older therapies. - The focus on prevention suggests a push to treat migraine as a chronic condition, not only an episodic emergency.

What's next: - Patients are encouraged to seek clinicians who understand headache disorders and can match treatment to the individual case. - Dr. Spierings’ book and public availability for interviews suggest continued outreach to patients looking for guidance. - The practical takeaway is that migraine treatment may work best when acute relief and prevention are planned together.