MyMigraineTeam recently asked its members, “What type of migraine treatment are you currently taking?” — and responses were fairly balanced between two major migraine treatment approaches. Among 141 respondents, 43 percent said they use a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-targeting treatment, while 38 percent said they use a triptan. Another 4.2 percent selected Botox, and 14.8 percent chose other types of treatment.

Those results highlight something many people with migraine already know: Migraine is complex, and treatment is not one-size-fits-all. Many people use either more than one approach over time or a combination of treatments for prevention and symptom relief. What works well for one person may not work the same way for someone else.

Why the Results May Be So Close

The near-even split between CGRP-targeting treatments and triptans may reflect the different ways these medications are used to treat migraine. Triptans have been used for many years to treat migraine attacks after they start. CGRP-targeting treatments are newer and may be used either to prevent migraine attacks or to treat them in the moment, depending on the medication.

Because these categories can serve different purposes, the poll results likely reflect the wide range of ways people manage migraine. Some people may rely mainly on an as-needed medication, while others may use a preventive treatment as the foundation of their plan.

Why CGRP-Targeting Treatments May Lead the Poll

CGRP-targeting treatments received the largest share of responses at 43 percent. This category includes several newer migraine drugs, including injectable, infusion, and oral options. Some are used to help prevent migraine, while others are taken when symptoms begin.

The poll results may suggest that many people in the community are using newer migraine treatments. They may also reflect how often people with frequent or severe migraine need treatment plans that go beyond older medicines taken only when an attack starts.

At the same time, newer does not always mean better for every person. Access, insurance coverage, side effects, and how well a medication works can all affect whether someone starts or stays on a treatment.

Why Many Members Use Triptans

Triptans are a type of prescription medicine used to stop or reduce symptoms during a migraine attack. They were close behind at 38 percent, showing that they remain a standard option for treating migraine attacks.

The poll suggests that many people still rely on triptans, whether because they work well, are familiar, or are easier to access than some newer medications. For some people, triptans may be enough to relieve migraine on their own. For others, they may be one part of a broader treatment plan.

Still, people who need these medications more often may want to talk with their doctor. This can be a sign that it is time to talk about prevention, too.

Botox May Be Used More Often Than the Poll Shows

Only 4.2 percent of respondents selected Botox as their current migraine treatment. Even so, that number may not fully reflect how often Botox is used in real-world migraine treatment. Some people who use Botox may have chosen another category because they think of a different medication as their main treatment.

Botox is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help prevent migraine attacks, and it’s generally used as one part of a longer-term management plan. Because the poll asked people to choose a treatment type, the Botox total may reflect how hard it can be to fit migraine treatment into a single category.

‘Other’ Responses Show How Broad Migraine Care Is

Nearly 15 percent of respondents selected “other,” which suggests that many people use treatments outside these three categories or do not see their current regimen reflected by just one option.

This group may include older preventive medications, over-the-counter treatments, devices, hormonal strategies, or lifestyle strategies. It also points to an important reality of migraine care: Many people build treatment plans from multiple pieces, not just one medication class.

That can be especially true because migraine may change over time. A person’s symptoms, triggers, frequency of attacks, and response to treatment can all shift, which may lead to treatment changes, too.

The Right Treatment Plan Is Different for Everyone

This poll suggests that there’s no single dominant treatment path among MyMigraineTeam members. Instead, the responses show a fairly even divide between CGRP-targeting treatments and triptans, with smaller but still meaningful use of Botox and other approaches.

Migraine treatment often depends on how often attacks happen, how severe they are, what symptoms come with them, and how someone responds to medication. That’s why treatment decisions are best made with a doctor, ideally someone familiar with migraine care. A healthcare provider can help you decide whether your current treatment is working and whether your plan should include treatment to stop attacks, preventive treatment, or both.

Join the Conversation

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Which type of migraine treatment do you use most right now? Let others know in the comments below.