Clinical improvement of photophobia with galcanezumab in episodic and chronic migraine - Report - MDSpire

Clinical improvement of photophobia with galcanezumab in episodic and chronic migraine

  • By

  • Elif Ilgaz Aydınlar

  • Pınar Yalınay Dikmen

  • Aysenur Sahin

  • Kerem Birısık

  • June 1, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Improvement in Photophobia Symptoms with Galcanezumab Treatment

Overview

This study evaluated the impact of galcanezumab on photophobia in patients with episodic and chronic migraine. Significant reductions in photophobia symptoms were observed, alongside improvements in headache frequency and associated disability.

Background

Photophobia is a prevalent and debilitating symptom in migraine patients, affecting their quality of life. Despite its clinical significance, the effects of specific treatments on photophobia have not been thoroughly investigated. Galcanezumab, a CGRP monoclonal antibody, has emerged as a potential therapeutic option for migraine management.

Data Highlights

MeasureBaselineMonth 3P-value
Monthly Headache Days (MHDs)154< 0.001
UPSIS-12 Score Reduction-22.6%< 0.001

Key Findings

  • 77 patients were enrolled, with 47 completing the study.
  • Monthly headache days decreased from a median of 15 to 4 days by month 3 (p < 0.001).
  • 74.5% of patients were classified as responders with a ≥50% reduction in headache frequency.
  • Significant reduction in ictal photophobia was observed in responders (p = 0.010).
  • Improvements were noted in headache intensity, attack duration, and psychological comorbidities.
  • No serious adverse events were reported during the treatment period.

Clinical Implications

The findings indicate that galcanezumab may reduce photophobia in migraine patients.

Conclusion

Galcanezumab demonstrates significant efficacy in reducing migraine symptoms and photophobia.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Frontiers in Neurology, 2026 -- Three-year real-world effectiveness, treatment persistence, and planned discontinuation of anti-calcitonin gene-related peptide monoclonal antibodies for migraine prevention: a single-center cohort from Japan
  2. Retinal Physician, 2007 -- Treating Cystoid Macular Edema in Patients With Cataract History
  3. Retinal Physician, 2023 -- Clinical Trial Update April 2023
  4. Ophthalmology Management, 2025 -- Rapid Developments in Geographic Atrophy
  5. PubMed, 2024 -- Calcitonin gene-related peptide-targeting therapies are a first-line option for the prevention of migraine: An American Headache Society position statement update
  6. PMC, 2020 -- Effect of galcanezumab on severity and symptoms of migraine in phase 3 trials in patients with episodic or chronic migraine
  7. PMC, 2020 -- Validation of a photophobia symptom impact scale
  8. Calcitonin gene-related peptide-targeting therapies are a first-line option for the prevention of migraine: An American Headache Society position statement update - PubMed
  9. Effect of galcanezumab on severity and symptoms of migraine in phase 3 trials in patients with episodic or chronic migraine - PMC
  10. Validation of a photophobia symptom impact scale - PMC

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