Premium
Naratriptan in the Prophylaxis of Cluster Headache
Author(s) -
Loder Elizabeth
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
headache: the journal of head and face pain
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.14
H-Index - 119
eISSN - 1526-4610
pISSN - 0017-8748
DOI - 10.1046/j.1526-4610.2002.02014.x
Subject(s) - dihydroergotamine , medicine , cluster headache , headaches , sumatriptan , anesthesia , migraine , refractory (planetary science) , surgery , physics , receptor , astrobiology , agonist
A 36‐year‐old man with cluster headache refractory to trials of standard prophylactic treatment and only partially responsive to parenteral sumatriptan and inhaled oxygen was admitted to an inpatient pain unit. The diagnosis of cluster headache was confirmed by direct observation of a typical attack. Despite efforts at prophylaxis, the patient continued to experience three to four severe headaches per day. Attempts to control his headaches with scheduled parenteral dihydroergotamine were successful, but headaches recurred when the medication was tapered, and continuous or intermittent use of parenteral dihydroergotamine was not felt to be a practical option for the patient. Naratriptan 2.5 mg twice daily completely abolished his headaches, which recurred when the medication was discontinued. No electrocardiographic or laboratory abnormalities were observed during treatment, and the patient reported no side effects.