There is a great deal of research being conducted on migraines, including clinical trials and scientific studies. Many studies are focused on developing more effective treatment methods. Areas of research include:

• Botulinum toxin type A (Botox). This drug is commonly used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. In clinical studies, however, this form of injection therapy has reduced the frequency and the intensity of migraines in some people. More research is needed to verify the connection.
  
  
• Other medications. Many combinations, new drugs and new formulations of older drugs are under study.
  
  
• Nerve blocks. Performing an occipital nerve block may abort an attack, but more research is needed.
  
  
• Genetics. Because migraines appear to be linked to family history, researchers are studying the possibility of a “migraine gene.”
  
  
• Links to other conditions. Scientists are investigating the relationship of migraines to conditions including epilepsy, insulin resistance, obesity, irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, depression, and cardiovascular disorders such as heart attack, high blood pressure and a fairly common heart defect called patent foramen ovale (PFO).
  
  
• Surgery. Nasal surgery to keep surfaces inside sinuses from touching has brought relief to some migraine sufferers. Recent research has found that some migraine patients improved after surgical removal of muscle or a minor nerve to reduce nerve compression and inflammation. Surgical treatment of PFO is being investigated as a way of controlling migraines associated with this heart defect.