Abstract
Background Erenumab is a monoclonal antibody acting against calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor which has been found effective even for the treatment of chronic migraine (CM) complicated with medication overuse headache (MOH). According to the present guidelines, the treatment with erenumab should continue for up to 1 year. The aim of the present study is to explore the evolution of patients affected by CM and MOH at the baseline, after erenumab discontinuation. Methods One hundred and eighty-five patients affected by CM and MOH were recruited and followed up after erenumab discontinuation. The number of migraine days per month, the number of painkillers taken per month, the number of days in which one medication was used for a month were collected every 30 days for the 3 months following erenumab suspension. Results At the 3rd month after suspension, patients displayed a significantly higher number of migraine days per month, a significantly higher painkiller consumption, and a significantly higher migraine-related disability. A high body mass index and the presence of aura were positively correlated with the relapse of CM and MOH. Conclusion Patients affected by CM and MOH at the baseline displayed a significant worsening of their headaches after erenumab discontinuation.
