General inflammation and neurogenic inflammation are thought to play a role in migraine. Neurogenic inflammation associated with migraine is defined by inflammatory reactions in the trigeminovascular system in response to neuronal activity. The steroids seem to "turn off" the biochemical reactions that trigger and maintain the unwanted, pain-causing cytokines, proteins and inflammatory enzymes that may be at the root of the migraine event.  Many people with migraine are familiar with anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen and naproxen. These are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications or NSAIDs. Steroids work a different angle in the inflammation-fighting process. Even though the steroids and NSAIDS work differently, they are are not to be taken together. Using steroids for prolonged migraine attacks that are not responding to the first and second lines of treatment has been an accepted treatment for decades.  These medications are not used routinely for relief as they have serious potential side effects and the risks and benefits must be carefully weighed. Different combinations of medications or "migraine cocktails" are usually tried before using prednisone for migraine.