Lamotrigine prophylaxis is associated with reduced aura frequency in patients with burdensome migraine aura: a retrospective observational study
Frontiers in Neurology, vol.17, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 17
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.3389/fneur.2026.1863747
- Journal Name: Frontiers in Neurology
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, EMBASE, Psycinfo, Directory of Open Access Journals
- Keywords: antiepileptic, lamotigine, migraine aura prophylaxis, migraine with aura, preventive treatment
- Open Archive Collection: AVESIS Open Access Collection
- Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Introduction – Migraine aura affects approximately one-third of migraine patients. In some individuals, aura remains highly disabling due to the lack of effective, targeted treatment options. This study evaluates the effectiveness and long-term management of lamotrigine (LTG) in a clinical Cohort specifically burdened by frequent or severe aura. Methods – A retrospective observational study was conducted at a neurology clinic in Lund, Sweden, including 81 patients treated between 2014 and 2022. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients achieving ≥50% reduction in monthly aura days (MADs) following LTG prophylaxis. Results – A total of 81 patients were included in the study. A reduction in mean MADs from 6.9 ± 7.5 days/month to 1.4 ± 3.7 was observed following LTG initiation, with 79.7% mean reduction (p < 0.001). The overall response rate was 85.2%. The average dose of LTG was 149.6 mg ± 70.5. Twenty-nine patients had adverse events (AE), the most common type was skin changes, and 5 dropped out of the treatment due to AEs. Discussion – The results indicate that LTG is associated with a reduction in aura frequency and is well-tolerated in patients whose migraine burden is dominated by the aura phase. LTG is a preventive option worthy of further evaluation in controlled trials.