Jessica Ailani, MD: New Approvals and Nonpharmacologic Options for Headache

“I really think that’s the next wave. Having apps that are able to focus in on behavioral techniques—we’ve had some already…these are great additions to be able to tell your patients about.”

At the American Headache Society (AHS) 2020 annual scientific meeting, there are a number of datasets expected to be presented that headache specialists across the country are anticipating. Mainly, these are focused on the latest safety updates and longer-term post-marketing data on newly approved therapeutics.

Although, as Jessica Ailani, MD, FAHS, director of MedStar Georgetown Headache Center, and associate professor of neurology at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, pointed out in a conversation with NeurologyLive, these are not the only valuable datasets being presented. In recent years as the headache medicine treatment arsenal has begun to grow, the addition of non-pharmacologic therapeutics has as well. Despite little to no new data on a number of neuromodulation devices at this year’s meeting, many behavioral therapies are being highlighted.

In this interview, Ailani shared which data she was looking forward to seeing, including long-term safety data on the new calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) inhibitors, as well as her experience with these non-medication therapeutic options and how they can still be offered to patients without the need for in-person visits.

For more AHS 2020 coverage, click here.