[Treatment and prophylaxis of an acute migraine attack].

The treatment of migraine takes into consideration the intensity of the headache and the accompanying symptoms. The goal is to reduce the headache intensity, to relieve nausea and vomiting and to restore the ability to function in the daily routine. For drug treatment, there are now highly effective serotonin agonists available in addition to the older ergotamine preparations. A problem with all migraine analgesics is that in long lasting migraine attacks, the headache can recur as the pharmacological effect of the medication wears off. Through nonmedicinal and medicinal prophylactic measures, the frequency and intensity of the migraine attacks can be reduced. Keeping a headache diary for documentation is essential.