The Migraine Reset: How Pharmacology Helps Rebalance the Brain
You are currently watching a preview of this interview. Unlock the full version by upgrading to an Access Pass bundle! Get FREE access to 8 expert interviews from Day 1 and Day 2 when you register today!
Key Questions
- What is the meaning of “brain sensitization” in the context of chronic migraine? Why might it make treatment difficult?
- How can pharmacology act as a reset button for the nervous system?
- Why might behavioral and lifestyle changes be ineffective when someone has a highly sensitized system?
- Does it make a difference if a preventive treatment targets the central or peripheral nervous system? What are examples of such treatments?
- What could a potent “migraine cocktail” for acute treatment include when using over-the-counter ingredients and complementary therapies?
- How do you choose which class of medications to start with for migraine prevention?
- How does radiofrequency ablation work for migraine?
- How long does it take for a pharmaceutical reset to be effective enough to consider weaning off medications?
- Which complementary therapies should be considered once a pharmaceutical reset begins to work?
- How can patients balance different approaches to care?
- Can migraine be considered a chronic pain condition, and can it be treated similarly?
Interview Notes
- Risa Ravitz, MD
- Modern Migraine MD
- Article: Pain and the Brain: What Is the Gate Control Theory?
- YouTube: The Ravitz Way
- Podcast: The Ravitz Way
- Instagram: @migrainedoctor
Treatments Mentioned
- Acupressure
- Acupuncture
- Antidepressants
- Antihypertensives
- Anti-seizure medications (ASMs)
- Beta-blockers
- Caffeine
- Calcium channel blockers (CCBs)
- Cannabis
- CGRP small-molecule receptor antagonists (gepants)
- CEFALY
- Diet
- Diphenhydramine (Bendadryl)
- DHE (dihydroergotamine)
- Epidural
- Exercise
- Functional medicine
- Gabapentin
- Ibuprofen (Advil)
- Ice
- Ketamine
- Naproxen (Aleve)
- Nerve blocks
- OnabotulinumtoxinA (Botox)
- Psilocybin
- Propranolol
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Sleep
- Supplements
- Topiramate (Topamax)
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
- Triptans
Find 300+ treatments in our full Treatment Directory — available with a VIP Access Pass.
For additional links and resources, click here.
Disclaimer: The Migraine World Summit aims to bring you a variety of perspectives and expertise, free from bias or judgment. Alternative theories presented in this video have not been medically reviewed. Views expressed in this interview do not necessarily represent the views of the Migraine World Summit. Please always consult your health care professional and do your own research before making changes to your treatment plan. Captions are auto-generated and may contain errors.
Risa Ravitz, MD
CEO
Modern Migraine MD
Dr. Risa Ravitz, MD is a board-certified neurologist specializing in migraine, headache disorders, general neurology, and pain management. She is the CEO of Modern Migraine MD, with offices in New York, New Jersey, and Florida and telehealth available in 13 states.
Dr. Ravitz holds dual board certification from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and the American Board of Pain Medicine.
Go Beyond the Free Summit Interviews
- Full-length expert interviews beyond the 30-minute edits
- Revisit any 2026 session anytime
- Transcripts and audio downloads included
- Review insights before medical appointments
Related Talks for: Day 3 (2026)
A Migraine Survival Guide to Weather & Climate Changes
Shivang Joshi, MD, MPH, RPh
How Early Life Stress Affects Migraine Risk
Serena Laura Orr, MD, MSc
Why Neck Pain Matters in Migraine — And What To Do About It
Zhiqi Liang, PhD, MPhty, BAppSci, FACP
From Settling to Small Wins: 3 Perspectives on Redefining Progress in Migraine Care
Andrew Blumenfeld, MD
Miles for Migraine is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the mission of improving the lives of people with migraine and other headache disorders, and their families, by raising public awareness about this disease, and helping to find a cure. Miles for Migraine produces fun walk/run events, typically a 2-mile walk and 5K and 10K races to raise money for migraine research. We also host adult education days, and a youth program for kids and teens impacted by migraine and other headache disorders.
Lundbeck is a global pharmaceutical company focused exclusively on transformative treatments in neuroscience for people with high unmet need. Every day, we strive for improved treatment anda better life for people living with brain disease. We are committed to supporting the migraine community and helping to eliminate barriers that prevent people from being their best.
Migraine can feel isolating, but the right information can make a real difference. If someone you know struggles with migraine, consider sharing the Summit with them or inviting them to watch today’s interviews.
