Which medication class is commonly used for migraine prevention but not for acute treatment?

• A. Beta blockers
• B. Sumatriptan
• C. 5-HT receptor agonists
• D. Ergot alkaloids

Answer: (A)

Preventive migraine strategies rely on medications that reduce how often attacks occur, with benefits appearing over weeks to months rather than immediately. Beta blockers fit this role well, as they are commonly used to lower the frequency and sometimes the severity of migraines with ongoing use. They don’t provide rapid relief during an active episode, which is why they aren’t used for acute treatment.

In contrast, acute treatment aims to abort a current migraine attack and typically uses agents that act quickly to relieve pain and associated symptoms. Medications in this category include 5-HT receptor agonists, such as triptans, which shorten the attack by constricting cranial blood vessels and modulating inflammatory mediators. Ergot alkaloids can also be used for acute treatment but have broader side effects and are less favored today. Thus, the class that is primarily for prevention is the beta blockers.