Jessica Ailani, MD

“I really think that’s the next wave. Having apps that are able to focus in on behavioral techniques—we’ve had some already…these are great additions to be able to tell your patients about.”

American Headache Society (AHS) 2020 annual scientific meeting

, there are a number of datasets expected to be presented that headache specialists across the country are anticipating. Mainly, these are focused on the latest safety updates and longer-term post-marketing data on newly approved therapeutics.

Although, as Jessica Ailani, MD, FAHS, director of MedStar Georgetown Headache Center, and associate professor of neurology at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, pointed out in a conversation with 

, these are not the only valuable datasets being presented. In recent years as the headache medicine treatment arsenal has begun to grow, the addition of non-pharmacologic therapeutics has as well. Despite little to no new data on a number of neuromodulation devices at this year’s meeting, many behavioral therapies are being highlighted.

In this interview, Ailani shared which data she was looking forward to seeing, including long-term safety data on the new calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) inhibitors, as well as her experience with these non-medication therapeutic options and how they can still be offered to patients without the need for in-person visits.

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The director of MedStar Georgetown Headache Center and associate professor of neurology at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital spoke to the specific datasets she is anticipating at the AHS 2020 meeting.

Jessica Ailani, MD: New Approvals and Nonpharmacologic Options for Headache

“We [as a field] have exploded. It is completely crazy, in clinical practice, the number of options that are available to patients. It can be extremely overwhelming to them.”

Despite the need for its annual meeting to switch to a virtual model for this year, the 

American Headache Society’s 2020 annual scientific meeting

 is expected to have a full slate of abstracts showing off highly-anticipated data. Starting June 13, 2020, a number of abstracts covering developments in the pipeline, as well as newly acquired information about recent approvals, is expected to be available.

One of the members of the scientific committee, Jessica Ailani, MD, FAHS, director of MedStar Georgetown Headache Center, spoke with 

 about this “explosion” of options in the headache field and how this year’s meeting is set to still show off that data. She shared her insight into a number of abstracts to look out for, including safety and label updates, data on combination approaches, and long-term data on other newly approved therapies.

Additionally, Ailani discussed how the virtual model may be lacking in its ability to provide networking and 1-on-1 interactions—which many physicians utilize to gain insight into others’ experiences&mdash;but certainly is not lacking in data on the topic. She praised the output of those in the field in getting so much data prepared so quickly, particularly those sharing clinical experiences with new acute medicines.

The AHS fellow, director of MedStar Georgetown Headache Center, and associate professor of neurology at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital spoke to the rapid expansion of headache medicine and what new research will be discussed at AHS 2020.

Jessica Ailani, MD: The Ongoing Expansion in Headache Medicine

“This isn’t really over, and if there is a potential second wave, we have this opportunity to do it better. I think just seeing what the experience has been can allow us to start thinking about how we can do it better.”

Although the news cycle has shifted its focus as new science continues to be published and medical organizations such as the American Headache Society (AHS) hold their—now virtual&mdash;annual meetings, the ongoing pandemic remains at the forefront of medical thinking. One such exemplary instance is a trio of plenary talks planned for the 

, which is set to take place virtually starting June 13, 2020.

One of the members of the scientific committee, Jessica Ailani, MD, FAHS, shared her insight into the meeting plans with 

, including how these 3 talks will inform the headache community about the approach to headache treatment amid a pandemic on several levels, from the community’s response to the impact it has had on fellows and physicians-in-training.

Additionally, Ailani spoke to the non-pandemic focused data which will still play a large role in the meeting. She discussed how the committee responded to the challenges for the program and offered her thoughts on some of the top-quality science in headache and migraine that is planned to be presented, particularly the recipient of the Harold G. Wolff Lecture Award.

The AHS fellow, director of MedStar Georgetown Headache Center, and associate professor of neurology at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital discussed what topics the plenary talks will cover at AHS 2020.

Jessica Ailani, MD: Plenary Talks at the AHS 2020 Annual Meeting

“We’re really getting to see where science has been in the last year when it comes to headache medicine, and focus in on some of the details of the research. I think that’s always important as a clinician.”

On June 13, 2020, the American Headache Society (AHS) will be kicking off its 

, though, like many other major medical meetings, it will be held virtually. With a need to shift rather rapidly to this format, it is easy to understand why a number of physicians, scientists, and the like would wonder what to anticipate from such a meeting.

To find out exactly what that community should expect to see and hear about, 

 reached out to Jessica Ailani, MD, FAHS, director, MedStar Georgetown Headache Center, and associate professor of neurology, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. Ailani&shy;, who is a member of the scientific committee for the meeting, offered her perspective on the science that is expected to be presented.

Notably, she spoke to how important these presentations ultimately end up being for those practicing headache medicine, saying that she is “always looking at where the scientists are right now because what they’re doing today is what’s going to come to my patients in 5 to 10 years from now.” These presentations, she said, will give attendees the chance to take a head-to-the-ground type approach to the ongoing science in headache.

The AHS fellow, director of MedStar Georgetown Headache Center, and associate professor of neurology at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital spoke to what to expect from this year’s annual scientific meeting.

Author | Jessica Ailani, MD

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