We all get headaches from time to time. A couple of aspirin and we’re usually good to go. But for those who suffer from migraine headaches…it’s a whole different kind of pain. Now there’s a brand new drug for migraines called Aimovig, just approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which doctors at The University of Kansas Health System are calling a big breakthrough.

Migraine is a common, chronic neurovascular disorder characterized by severe, debilitating headaches that can last for several hours, or even days, and can recur as frequently as daily. Migraine is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting and other neurological symptoms, such as light and noise sensitivity, as well as visual aura. An estimated 10-15% of Americans suffer from migraines. 

            “Migraines can be really debilitating,” according to Dr. Deetra Ford, a neurologist at The University of Kansas Health System who treats patients with migraines. “People miss a lot of work. They miss activities of daily living. They miss their kids' ball games. So to have something this revolutionary that we can actually try to help with some of those reductions in missed days is wonderful.”

            In the video, Dr. Ford explains how the injectable drug works. It’s a once-a-month self-injection that doesn’t go far under the skin and doesn’t hurt much. She says the new drug won’t eliminate migraines completely, but will shorten their duration. She says it’s used with other drugs to give patients long term relief.

            The video also shows Dr. Ford demonstrating how a patient would use the drug.