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Grand RoundsWeekly Evidence Brief

Neurology

Edition

30-Second Takeaway

  • Epistemonikos EDT can replace paywalled databases for reproducible RCT searches in pharmacological migraine NMAs.
  • Gepants show superior **24‑hour pain relief** versus triptans in real-world acute migraine.

Week ending May 9, 2026

Concise evidence briefs for neurology practice from five recent studies

Epistemonikos EDT is a viable, cost‑free RCT source for migraine network meta‑analyses.

BMC MEDICAL RESEARCH METHODOLOGYMay 8, 2026

In a case study of pharmacological migraine RCTs, single‑database recall ranged 98.3–99.4%, and combinations reached 99.4–100% compared to a reference standard. Different search sets produced similar network estimates and identical certainty‑of‑evidence ratings for low/moderate risk‑of‑bias trials. Specialized RCT databases (EDT, CENTRAL) reduced screening workload versus MEDLINE/Embase, despite simpler export and documentation features in EDT. The pilot EDT offered reproducible, cost‑free searching suitable for systematic reviews of migraine pharmacotherapy.

Early cognitive gains in MS often reflect measurement bias; re‑baseline improves prognostic accuracy.

JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGYMay 7, 2026

In 148 pwMS assessed at baseline, ~1 year (re‑baseline), and ~6 years, many early cognitive improvements were seen after accounting for practice effects. About 40% of participants classified as cognitively impaired at baseline reverted to cognitively preserved at re‑baseline. Cognitively preserved participants remained stable, with conversion rates to impairment below 1% over follow‑up. Authors recommend routine re‑baseline assessment before assigning long‑term cognitive prognosis in MS.

Real‑world data: gepants improve 24‑hour pain relief versus triptans; 2‑hour outcomes similar.

HEADACHEMay 4, 2026

In a US survey of 1,570 acute monotherapy users (567 gepant, 1,003 triptan), gepants had higher odds of 24‑hour pain relief (adjusted OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.09–1.71). There was no significant difference between classes for 2‑hour pain freedom. Higher symptom severity, attack frequency, disability, and preventive treatment use predicted poorer acute outcomes across both drug classes. Findings support considering gepants when extended symptom control matters, while awaiting randomized head‑to‑head trials.

References

Numbered in order of appearance. Click any reference to view details.

Additional Reads

Optional additional studies from this edition.

Edition context

Clinical signal

  • For systematic reviews, prioritize high‑recall sources but expect large screening burdens with general databases.
  • Reassess cognitive impairment in pwMS after a re‑baseline to avoid misclassifying early measurement effects.
  • Consider gepants when prolonged (24‑hour) symptom control matters; 2‑hour freedom appears similar to triptans.