AAN

AAN 2026: Use of GLP-1 drugs tied to fewer ER visits for chronic migraine

March 3, 2026

A preliminary study to be presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s 78th Annual Meeting reports that people with chronic migraine who were taking GLP‑1 receptor agonists for other conditions had meaningfully lower acute‑care utilization than matched patients initiating topiramate. In a real‑world cohort of roughly 11,000 patients per group, GLP‑1 users were ~10% less likely to require an ED visit and 14% less likely to be hospitalized over one year. They also showed reduced need for abortive and preventive medications, including fewer new prescriptions for triptans and additional preventive agents. While the findings demonstrate association rather than causation, investigators note that the consistent pattern across outcomes suggests GLP‑1 therapies may help stabilize disease burden in chronic migraine—an insight with potential relevance as these agents become more widely used in clinical practice.

Source:

(2026, March 1). American Academy of Neurology. GLP-1 drugs associated with reduced need for emergency care for migraine [Press release]. https://www.aan.com/PressRoom/Home/PressRelease/5321