ABSTRACT
Acute treatments are used to abort or reduce symptoms once an attack has started. Since attacks vary in frequency and severity, even in the same patient, a treatment ladder is suggested.
Patients start at the lowest rung of the ladder they think will be effective for each attack. If they recognize mild symptoms early they should start with step one. If this proves ineffective after one hour, or symptoms are severe at the onset, they may treat from the second stage. If, after three attacks, the first stage is always ineffective, they should initiate treatment from a higher stage (Figure 8).
