Your Migraine Action Plan: Acute vs. Preventive Treatments Explained

When you’re living with migraine, knowing what to do during an attack is critical—but so is knowing how to prevent the next one. Many patients feel lost navigating the difference between acute treatments (rescue medications used during an attack) and preventive treatments (daily or periodic strategies to reduce attack frequency). At TeleHeadache, we believe migraine management starts with clarity—and that means understanding your treatment options and having a personalized migraine action plan.

In this guide, we’ll break down the essential differences between acute and preventive migraine treatments, offer real-world examples of each, and show how TeleHeadache’s virtual migraine clinic empowers you to take control of your condition—without the wait.

Understanding the Migraine Spectrum

Migraine isn’t a one-size-fits-all condition. Attacks vary in frequency, duration, severity, and symptoms. Some patients experience one migraine every few months, while others suffer several debilitating attacks each week. Because of this variability, your treatment approach needs to be just as personalized.

A comprehensive migraine treatment plan typically includes two main components:

1. Acute Treatments – To relieve pain and symptoms during a migraine attack
   
   
2. Preventive Treatments – To reduce how often, how long, or how severe your migraines are
   
   

Let’s explore both in depth.

Acute Migraine Treatment: Relief When It Hits

What Is Acute Migraine Treatment?

Acute treatments (sometimes called “rescue” treatments) are medications or therapies you take at the onset of a migraine attack. The goal is to reduce the intensity of the pain and other symptoms and help you return to your normal function as quickly as possible.

Examples of Acute Migraine Medications:

• Gepants (e.g., Rimegepant [Nurtec], Ubrogepant [Ubrelvy], Zavegepant [Zavzpret])
  
  
• Triptans (e.g., Sumatriptan [Imitrex], Rizatriptan [Maxalt], Zolmitriptan [Zomig])
  
  
• Ditans (e.g., Lasmiditan [Reyvow]) – non-vasoconstrictive option
  
  
• NSAIDs (e.g., Naproxen, Ibuprofen)
  
  
• Anti-nausea medications (e.g., Metoclopramide, Prochlorperazine)
  
  

Key Points About Acute Treatments:

• Best when taken early in the attack (ideally within the first hour of symptom onset)
  
  
• Some should be used no more than 2-3 days per week to avoid medication overuse headache (MOH)
  
  
• Do not prevent future attacks—they are reactive, not preventive
  
  

Preventive Migraine Treatment: Reducing the Burden

What Is Preventive Treatment?

Preventive (or prophylactic) migraine treatments are used regularly, even when you’re not experiencing symptoms. The goal is to reduce the frequency, duration, and severity of future migraine attacks.

When Should You Consider Preventive Therapy?

• You experience frequent migraines (more than 4 per month)
  
  
• Your migraines are severe and disabling
  
  
• Acute medications aren’t working well or are overused
  
  
• You have migraine with aura or hemiplegic migraine
  
  

Types of Preventive Treatments:

1. Daily Oral Medications

• Beta-blockers (e.g., Propranolol)
  
  
• Antidepressants (e.g., Amitriptyline)
  
  
• Anticonvulsants (e.g., Topiramate, Valproate)
  
  

2. CGRP Monoclonal Antibodies (injections monthly or quarterly)

• Erenumab (Aimovig)
  
  
• Fremanezumab (Ajovy)
  
  
• Galcanezumab (Emgality)
  
  
• Eptinezumab (Vyepti)
  
  

3. Oral Gepants for Prevention

• Atogepant (Qulipta)
  
  
• Rimegepant (Nurtec ODT – also for acute use)
  
  

4. Neuromodulation Devices

• Nerivio – smartphone-controlled wearable
  
  
• HeadaTerm 2 – transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator
  
  

5. Lifestyle-Based Approaches

• Sleep regulation, hydration, diet, exercise
  
  
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or biofeedback
  
  

Building Your Migraine Action Plan

The most effective migraine management isn’t reactive—it’s proactive. A personalized Migraine Action Plan typically includes:

• A rescue strategy: Acute treatments to be used at the first sign of an attack
  
  
• A prevention strategy: A regimen (medical or non-medical) to reduce attack frequency
  
  
• A monitoring plan: Keeping a headache diary to track triggers and effectiveness
  
  
• A follow-up plan: Regular adjustments and evaluation with your migraine specialist
  
  

Why Both Are Necessary

Relying solely on acute treatments without prevention can lead to:

• Overuse of rescue meds (which can cause rebound headaches)
  
  
• Missed opportunities to reduce your overall migraine burden
  
  
• Uncontrolled symptoms and unpredictable attacks
  
  

On the other hand, a good preventive regimen can:

• Decrease how often you need rescue meds
  
  
• Make acute treatments more effective when used
  
  
• Empower you to plan your life with more predictability
  
  

How TeleHeadache Supports Your Treatment Journey

At TeleHeadache, our virtual migraine care model is designed to help you build and manage a smart, flexible treatment plan. Here’s how:

1. Expert Virtual Consultations

Our board-certified headache specialists conduct thorough evaluations via information received and if needed a televideo call—no waiting months for an appointment. We take the time to understand your migraine history, patterns, triggers, and past treatments.

2. Personalized Treatment Plans

No two migraine cases are alike. That’s why our providers create a tailored plan that may include acute and preventive options based on your unique profile.

3. Remote Prescription Management

Need an adjustment to your current medication? We can modify your treatment plan and prescribe new medications remotely, sent directly to a pharmacy of choice.

4. Symptom Tracking and Continuous Monitoring

Upload headache journals or use app-based tracking to share progress. We monitor your response to treatments and make real-time changes as needed.

5. Education and Empowerment

We demystify your condition, explain treatment options clearly, and help you make informed decisions—reducing fear, uncertainty, and misinformation.

From Reaction to Prevention: Taking Back Control

If you’ve ever asked, “Do I need daily treatment if I don’t have daily attacks?” the answer lies in how migraines are affecting your quality of life. Even a few attacks a month can justify preventive therapy if they’re disrupting work, school, or family life.

Understanding the purpose of each type of treatment—and how to use them together—is the first step in reclaiming your life from migraine.

TeleHeadache is your partner in this journey, offering:

• Accurate diagnosis
  
  
• Remote access to migraine experts
  
  
• Custom care plans that evolve with you
  
  
• Ongoing support—so you never have to navigate this alone
  
  

Final Thoughts

Migraines are unpredictable, disabling, and deeply personal. But with the right action plan—combining acute and preventive strategies—you can reduce their impact on your life.

Whether you’re struggling to find a treatment that works, concerned about overusing pain medications, or just looking for clarity, TeleHeadache is here to help.

We specialize in online migraine treatment, offering fast, effective, and compassionate care from the comfort of your home.