American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Study for the ABIM Certification Exam. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, with hints and explanations for each. Get ready to succeed!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


What is a common pharmacologic treatment for mild to moderate migraines?

  1. Triptans

  2. Opioids

  3. NSAIDs

  4. Corticosteroids

The correct answer is: NSAIDs

For the management of mild to moderate migraines, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly utilized. NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, are effective in alleviating pain and reducing inflammation associated with migraine attacks. They are often recommended as first-line treatment options for acute migraine pain due to their efficacy and relatively favorable side effect profile compared to other medications. Triptans, although effective for migraines, are typically reserved for more severe cases or when NSAIDs are ineffective. Opioids are not recommended for routine treatment of migraines due to the risk of dependence and potential for rebound headaches. Corticosteroids are generally not a first-line treatment for acute migraine inflammation and are more often used in cases of severe or refractory migraines. Therefore, NSAIDs stand out as the appropriate and widely accepted pharmacological treatment for individuals experiencing mild to moderate migraines.