Treatment of acute migraine with subcutaneous sumatriptan

Article Abstract:

Migraine headache is a painful, often debilitating condition from which approximately 8,000,000 Americans suffer. Attacks may be as frequent as several times per month, and are associated with significant loss in productivity and diminished quality of life. Currently available prophylactic (preventive) and therapeutic medications are inconsistent in their effectiveness, and have side effects that are often intolerable. The cause of migraine, while not fully understood, is thought to be related to dilation (relaxation and increased diameter) of cranial blood vessels. The neurotransmitter serotonin is effective in the treatment of migraine, but its adverse side effects prevent routine use. Sumatriptan is a compound that is known to stimulate a particular type of serotonin receptor - the cellular site responsible for seratonin's actions. This causes constriction of cranial blood vessels; consequently, sumatriptan may be a useful therapeutic agent for the treatment of migraine. To determine the effectiveness of this compound, two parallel-group trials involving 1,104 subjects were held at different medical centers in the United States. Subjects were administered either 6 milligrams of sumatriptan succinate or an inactive placebo by subcutaneous (under the skin) injection. One hour following injection, sumatriptan had reduced severe or moderate migraine pain to mild or no pain in 70 percent of the cases, compared with 22 percent of the subjects given placebo. In addition, sumatriptan was more effective than placebo at completely relieving headaches (49 percent versus 9 percent), lessening migraine-induced disability (76 percent versus 34 percent), and reducing nausea and sensitivity to light. The 365 patients suffering from residual migraines received a second injection of either sumatriptan or placebo; there was no evidence of any further reduction in the severity of symptoms resulting from the second injection. Adverse effects included tingling, dizziness, warm-hot sensations, and reactions at the sites of injection. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Sumatriptan, Serotonin, Serotonin receptors

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Intranasal lidocaine for treatment of migraine: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial

Article Abstract:

A solution of lidocaine applied inside the nose may be effective in stopping an attack of migraine. Of 81 people who presented to a clinic with a migraine, 53 received intranasal drops of lidocaine and 28 received a placebo. Twenty-nine (55%) of those who received lidocaine experienced a 50% or greater reduction in symptoms, usually within 5 minutes. Only 21% of those receiving placebo experienced this result. Twenty-eight percent of those receiving lidocaine had to take an additional drug, compared to 71% of those receiving placebo. Forty-two percent receiving lidocaine had a relapse, usually within 1 hour.

Evaluation, Lidocaine, Intranasal medication, Nasal sprays

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Topiramate for migraine prevention

Article Abstract:

Migraine headache is a neurological disorder associated with significant disability and impaired quality of life. After randomized controlled trial, topiramate showed significant efficacy in migraine prevention within first month of treatment, an effect maintained for the duration of the double-blind phase.

Prevention, Dosage and administration, Topiramate (Medication)

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