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Home › Conditions › Episodic Migraine

Episodic Migraine

Part of Migraine

3 published articles · Updated continuously

Clinical Trial Landscape

Clinical Trials for Episodic Migraine

18 trials tracked for Episodic Migraine: 16 in phase 3 or 4 and 14 with published results. The most-cited published study has 86 citations.

18Trials tracked
16Phase 3 & 4
0Recruiting
14With published results
Phase distribution
Phase 4 6 Phase 3 10 Phase 2 1 Other / NA 1
  1. Phase 3 Atogepant for Prophylaxis of Migraine in Participants Who Failed Previous Oral Prophylactic Treatments. Completed · 86 cited
  2. Phase 3 Study of Efficacy and Safety of AMG 334 in Adult Episodic Migraine Patients Completed · 65 cited
  3. Phase 4 A Study of Galcanezumab (LY2951742) in Adult Participants With Episodic Migraine Completed · 45 cited
  4. Phase 3 A Study Evaluating the Effectiveness of AMG 334 Injection in Preventing Migraines in Adults Having Failed Other Therapies Completed · 45 cited
  5. Phase 4 Study of Sustained Benefit of AMG334 in Adult Episodic Migraine Patients Completed · 37 cited
  6. Phase 3 Extension Study to Evaluate the Long-Term Safety and Tolerability of Oral Atogepant for the Prevention of Migraine in Participants With Episodic Migraine Completed · 36 cited
Show 12 more trials
  1. Phase 3 A Study of Galcanezumab (LY2951742) in Participants With Episodic Migraine Completed · 35 cited
  2. Phase 3 Study to Evaluate the Safety and Tolerability of Treatment With Atogepant 60 mg Daily for the Prevention of Migraine in Participants With Episodic Migraine Completed · 27 cited
  3. Phase 3 DFN-11 Injection in Episodic Migraine With or Without Aura Completed · 23 cited
  4. Phase 4 Study to Assess Adverse Events When Ubrogepant Tablets in Combination With Atogepant Tablets Are Used to Treat Adult Participants With Migraine Completed · 13 cited
  5. Phase 4 Pilot Study to Collect and Evaluate Data on the Use of IV* Ibuprofen in the Treatment of an Acute Migraine Attack Completed · 11 cited
  6. Phase 3 12-Week Placebo-controlled Study of Atogepant for the Preventive Treatment of Migraine in Participants With Episodic Migraine Completed · 11 cited
  7. Phase 4 Safety and Tolerability Study of Daily Dosing Rimegepant in Episodic Migraine Prevention Completed · 3 cited
  8. Phase 3 A Study Evaluating Oral Atogepant for the Prevention of Migraine in Japanese Participants With Chronic or Episodic Migraine Completed
  9. Phase 4 The Effects of Expectation and Knowledge on Rizatriptan and Placebo Treatment of Acute Migraine Headache Completed
  10. Phase 3 Occipital Blocks for Acute Migraine Completed
  11. Phase 2 Nuedexta for the Prevention and Modification of Disease Progression in Episodic Migraine Completed
  12. N/A Study of Two Digital Therapeutics for the Prevention of Episodic Migraine Completed

Showing the 18 most-cited and recently-updated of 18 trials. Browse the full registry →

Trial data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. Counts describe the research landscape and are not a treatment recommendation. Informational only — not medical advice.

What the trials found For clinicians

Episodic Migraine: what the trials found

Several pharmacological interventions demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing monthly migraine days (MMD). AMG334 showed a statistically significant reduction in MMD compared to placebo at week 52 (-2.55 vs -0.55, p<0.001) and achieved a significantly higher percentage of patients reaching a 50% reduction from baseline 2. Atogepant demonstrated consistent reductions in mean monthly migraine days over a 12-week period across multiple trials [7, 14], with significant improvements also noted in the number of acute medication use days 14.

Galcanezumab was associated with a significant reduction in monthly migraine headache days (MHDs) and improved quality-of-life scores 10. In another study, Galcanezumab showed consistent response rates across treatment groups for 50%, 75%, and 100% reductions over a 3-month period 1. Erenumab also demonstrated significant reductions in MMD at month 3 8 and a corresponding decrease in acute migraine-specific medication treatment days 8.

Acute treatments showed varying results: DFN-11 reported higher rates of patients being pain-free at 2 hours compared to 1 hour 13, while Maxalt demonstrated significantly higher pain-free rates at 2 hours than the control group 6. Lidocaine 4% topical cream resulted in statistically significant improvements in pain intensity scores on both Numeric Analog and Visual Analog Scales 16. Rimegepant was associated with very low rates of high-grade laboratory abnormalities 5.

Safety profiles for several agents were established; Atogepant showed low rates of potentially clinically significant (PCS) laboratory values or ECG findings across multiple trials [3, 11, 15], while standard of care migraine preventive medications also showed low rates of clinical lab/ECG abnormalities 12.

Recent results — preliminary, needs further review

  • The ReMMi-D Digital Therapeutic was associated with a reduction in Monthly Migraine Days (MMD) over a 12-week period (-3.35 vs -2.26).

For the clinician treating this condition

  • AMG334, Atogepant, and Erenumab are supported by evidence for reducing monthly migraine days and/or acute medication use.
  • Galcanezumab is associated with significant reductions in monthly headache days and improved quality-of-life scores.
  • Lidocaine 4% topical cream and DFN-11 provide documented efficacy in acute pain reduction, while Rimegepant shows a favorable laboratory safety profile.

AI synthesis of 10 cited trials, updated Jun 21, 2026. Informational only — not medical advice; trial data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. How we use AI.

HCP Mode — summaries include clinical detail, trial data, and statistical outcomes.
Patient Mode — summaries use plain language, avoiding clinical jargon.
Bayesian network meta-analysis compares CGRP therapies for episodic migraine
Neurology Meta-analysis
Bayesian network meta-analysis compares CGRP therapies for episodic migraine New migraine drugs show big benefits over placebo for monthly attack counts
This Bayesian network meta-analysis synthesized evidence on six CGRP-targeted therapies for episodic migraine. It found that monoclonal anti…
New migraine drugs cut monthly attacks more than placebo, with injectables slightly better than pills for some people.
medRxiv May 25, 2026
Preliminary Italian data show intravenous eptinezumab reduces pain and symptoms in patients with ongoing episodic or chronic migraine attacks
Neurology Cohort
Preliminary Italian data show intravenous eptinezumab reduces pain and symptoms in patients with ongoing episodic or chronic migraine attacks The Big Discovery:** A preventive migraine drug can start easing pain and light sensitivity during an ongoing attack—in as little as 10 minutes
This preliminary observational study enrolled 31 patients with episodic or chronic migraine experiencing an ongoing attack in an Italian rea…
For the first time, real-world data shows a migraine prevention treatment can also act with surprising speed to stop an attack that’s alread…
Frontiers Apr 10, 2026
Resting-state fMRI shows reduced brain entropy in episodic and chronic migraine compared to healthy controls
Neurology
Resting-state fMRI shows reduced brain entropy in episodic and chronic migraine compared to healthy controls Brain entropy changes in migraine patients compared to healthy controls
This resting-state fMRI study examined brain entropy in adults with episodic migraine, chronic migraine, and healthy controls.
Migraine patients show lower brain complexity in key networks compared to healthy controls, with the biggest drop seen in chronic cases.
medRxiv Apr 6, 2026

Research across Migraine

Related studies from across the Migraine family.

CGRP-targeted therapies provide clinically meaningful improvements in vertigo frequency and patient-reported quality of life
Neurology Meta-analysis
CGRP-targeted therapies provide clinically meaningful improvements in vertigo frequency and patient-reported quality of life New CGRP therapies show promise for vestibular migraine relief
This systematic review evaluates the efficacy of conventional pharmacological treatments and CGRP-targeted therapies for vestibular migraine…
Newer CGRP-targeted treatments may offer significant relief for those struggling with the dizzy spells and headaches of vestibular migraine.
Frontiers Oct 27, 2026
Microglia and astrocyte crosstalk serves as a key mediator of central sensitization in vestibular migraine
Neurology Sys. Review
Microglia and astrocyte crosstalk serves as a key mediator of central sensitization in vestibular migraine Brain cells may drive the pain of vestibular migraines
This systematic review explores the role of neuroimmune interactions in the pathophysiology of vestibular migraine. The authors identify bid…
New research highlights how specific brain cells communicate to cause chronic pain, offering a path to better treatments for vestibular migr…
Frontiers Oct 24, 2026
Migraine-associated forehead erythema may resolve rapidly with standard acute analgesic treatment
Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine Sys. Review
Migraine-associated forehead erythema may resolve rapidly with standard acute analgesic treatment A rare skin condition linked to migraine attacks in one man
This case report and review of literature describes a patient with migraine and red forehead dot syndrome. The report notes that headache an…
A man with migraines experienced a red forehead dot that improved quickly with standard pain medicine, highlighting a rare skin-headache lin…
Frontiers Oct 16, 2026
OnabotulinumtoxinA remains the most established procedural intervention for chronic migraine prevention
Neurology Meta-analysis
OnabotulinumtoxinA remains the most established procedural intervention for chronic migraine prevention OnabotulinumtoxinA Shows Most Established Evidence for Chronic Migraine Prevention
This umbrella review synthesizes evidence for various procedural interventions in chronic migraine, identifying onabotulinumtoxinA as the mo…
OnabotulinumtoxinA has the clearest evidence for chronic migraine prevention, while other procedures like nerve blocks and acupuncture show …
Frontiers Oct 12, 2026
Cerebellum functions as a modulatory component in migraine networks rather than a primary attack generator
Neurology Sys. Review
Cerebellum functions as a modulatory component in migraine networks rather than a primary attack generator CGRP Treatment Shows Changes in Migraine Related Brain Networks
This narrative review synthesizes imaging and structural data regarding the role of the cerebellum in migraine and related conditions. The a…
New imaging shows that CGRP treatments may affect the cerebellum, a part of the brain involved in migraine networks and balance.
Frontiers Oct 6, 2026
Auriculotherapy Shows Consistent Pain Relief Across Multiple Conditions
Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine Sys. Review
Auriculotherapy Shows Consistent Pain Relief Across Multiple Conditions Auriculotherapy May Help Manage Chronic Back Pain and Migraines
A systematic review finds auriculotherapy reduces pain intensity and analgesic needs across acute and chronic pain conditions, with mild sid…
Auriculotherapy shows potential as a safe, non-drug way to reduce pain for patients dealing with migraines, back pain, and cancer pain.
Frontiers Sep 28, 2026
Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation shows potential for depression, epilepsy, migraine, and post-stroke rehabilitation
Neurology Meta-analysis
Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation shows potential for depression, epilepsy, migraine, and post-stroke rehabilitation Vagus Nerve Stimulation Shows Potential for Depression and Migraine
This narrative review of 72 articles explores the mechanism and therapeutic potential of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (t…
A new method of nerve stimulation may offer potential benefits for managing conditions like migraine, epilepsy, and depression.
Frontiers Sep 26, 2026
Probiotics provide the largest reduction in migraine frequency among analyzed nutritional supplements
Neurology Meta-analysis
Probiotics provide the largest reduction in migraine frequency among analyzed nutritional supplements Probiotics and Coenzyme Q10 Show Promise for Migraine Frequency
This network meta-analysis of 791 adult migraineurs evaluated vitamins, magnesium, coenzyme Q10, and probiotics. Probiotics showed the large…
New analysis shows that probiotics and coenzyme Q10 may reduce how often migraines occur, while magnesium specifically helps lower pain seve…
Frontiers Aug 29, 2026
Sumatriptan/naproxen sodium and ibuprofen show significant pain freedom for pediatric migraine treatment
Drug Pipeline Meta-analysis
Sumatriptan/naproxen sodium and ibuprofen show significant pain freedom for pediatric migraine treatment New analysis shows effective migraine treatments for children and adolescents
This network meta-analysis of 30 studies involving 8,914 participants evaluated acute migraine medications in children and adolescents. Suma…
A large review of 30 studies helps identify which medications provide the fastest relief from migraines in children and teenagers.
Frontiers Aug 23, 2026
Propranolol shows potential for managing various neurological diseases including PTSD, migraine, and autism spectrum disorder
Psychiatry Sys. Review
Propranolol shows potential for managing various neurological diseases including PTSD, migraine, and autism spectrum disorder Propranolol Shows Promise for Brain Conditions
This systematic review synthesizes clinical and preclinical evidence regarding the effects of propranolol on several neurological conditions…
A new review suggests propranolol, a common blood pressure drug, may help with PTSD, autism, and more. Here's what it means.
Frontiers Aug 17, 2026
Five anchor clinical phenotypes provide a framework for individualized management of persistent postural-perceptual dizziness
Neurology Meta-analysis
Five anchor clinical phenotypes provide a framework for individualized management of persistent postural-perceptual dizziness New framework helps doctors treat persistent postural-perceptual dizziness
This narrative review synthesizes a proposed framework to manage persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD) by categorizing patients in…
A new clinical framework identifies five distinct types of chronic dizziness to help doctors create personalized treatment plans for patient…
Frontiers Aug 6, 2026
Non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation reduces monthly headache days in migraine patients
Nephrology Meta-analysis
Non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation reduces monthly headache days in migraine patients Trial Shows Vagus Nerve Stimulation Reduces Migraine Frequency
This meta-analysis of 917 patients with migraine found that non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS) significantly reduced monthly headac…
Non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation may reduce the number of monthly headache days and the need for acute medication for people living with…
Frontiers Jul 28, 2026

Questions about Episodic Migraine

Does resting-state fMRI show lower brain entropy in episodic migraine than in healthy people?

Yes, resting-state fMRI studies show that people with episodic migraine have lower brain entropy in key brain networks compared to healthy people.

Full answer →
Do gepants help reduce monthly migraines in patients with episodic migraine?

Oral gepants like rimegepant and atogepant reduce monthly migraine days in episodic migraine, with rimegepant showing sustained benefits up to 52 weeks in trials.

Full answer →
Does intravenous eptinezumab help reduce pain during an ongoing episodic migraine attack?

Intravenous eptinezumab can reduce pain and symptoms during an ongoing episodic migraine attack, with improvements seen within the first 10 to 20 minutes of infusion.

Full answer →