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A groundbreaking study presented at the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) Congress 2025 has revealed that a widely used diabetes medication may more than halve the number of migraine days for people suffering from chronic migraines, offering new hope to millions worldwide.
Researchers at the Headache Centre of the University of Naples “Federico II” investigated the effects of liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, in 26 adults with obesity and chronic migraine (defined as at least 15 headache days per month). Over a 12-week period, participants reported an average of 11 fewer headache days per month—cutting their migraine burden by more than half. Disability scores on the Migraine Disability Assessment Test also dropped by 35 points, indicating significant improvements in work, study, and social functioning.
Liraglutide is best known for its role in lowering blood sugar and aiding weight loss in type 2 diabetes and obesity. However, in this study, the reduction in migraine days was not linked to weight loss. While participants’ body mass index (BMI) did decline slightly (from 34.01 to 33.65), this change was not statistically significant, and analysis confirmed that BMI reduction had no effect on headache frequency.
The researchers suggest that the benefit comes from liraglutide’s ability to lower brain fluid pressure, rather than its effects on weight. This mechanism may reduce the release of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a key molecule involved in migraine attacks. Importantly, participants experienced rapid and sustained relief, with most reporting improved quality of life within the first two weeks and benefits lasting throughout the three-month observation period.
The study excluded patients with conditions like papilledema or sixth nerve palsy, ensuring that increased intracranial pressure was not a confounding factor. Mild gastrointestinal side effects—mainly nausea and constipation—occurred in 38% of participants but did not lead to treatment discontinuation.
Dr. Simone Braca, lead researcher, emphasized the potential of this approach: “We think that, by modulating cerebrospinal fluid pressure and reducing intracranial venous sinuses compression, these drugs produce a decrease in the release of CGRP… That would pose intracranial pressure control as a brand-new, pharmacologically targetable pathway.”
Given the well-established safety profile of GLP-1 agonists in diabetes and obesity, this research could pave the way for a new treatment option for migraine sufferers who do not respond to current preventives. A larger, randomized, double-blind trial is now being planned to confirm these findings and explore whether other GLP-1 drugs could offer similar or even greater benefits with fewer side effects.
Disclaimer:
This article reports on a preliminary, small-scale clinical study. The results are promising but require confirmation through larger, randomized, and controlled trials before liraglutide or similar GLP-1 receptor agonists can be widely recommended for the prevention of migraines. Consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment regimen. The side effects and long-term safety of using diabetes medications for migraine prevention are still under investigation.
